Archive for September, 2025

CTO Champions Sustainable Transformation on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2025)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 27, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) proudly embraces this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” It reflects the essence of our Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, which positions the Caribbean to lead globally in sustainable tourism by confronting climate change, adapting to shifting travel trends, and navigating an evolving global landscape.

As part of the Caribbean’s premier tourism gathering — the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place September 30–October 3 at Hilton Barbados Resort — we will host a special pre-conference event on Monday, September 29, to commemorate World Tourism Day. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and actionable insights.

The session will highlight the importance of sustainable transformation in Caribbean tourism, practical strategies for embedding sustainability into policy, business operations and community practices, as well as the role of regional leadership and partnerships in driving innovation and resilience.

We are especially honored to welcome the OECS Commission, which will present its Climate Action Plan, underscoring the critical role of climate action in shaping sustainable tourism transformation.

On this World Tourism Day, as we reflect on the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” I extend warm greetings to our global community of travelers, tourism professionals, and partners across the Caribbean and beyond. I remain profoundly inspired by the enduring power of tourism to transform economies, strengthen livelihoods and uplift societies.

In the Caribbean, where sun-kissed shores, vibrant cultures and a resilient spirit draw millions from across the globe, tourism is more than an economic lifeline — it is a pathway to transformation. From the pulsating rhythms of carnival in Trinidad and Tobago to the serene beauty of The Bahamas’ oceanfronts, our destinations remind us that shared experiences can dissolve barriers, strengthen communities and inspire lasting change.

Yet, as we celebrate these joys, we must also confront the challenges that test our resolve: climate change, natural disasters and global uncertainties that demand bold, collaborative responses. These challenges call us not only to protect what we cherish, but also to reimagine tourism as a driver of environmental stewardship, social equity and long-term prosperity.

This year, let us recommit to tourism as a force for renewal and resilience. Through strategic partnerships, we are empowering communities, investing in sustainable practices and equipping our youth with the tools to lead tomorrow’s sector. Initiatives such as our Regional Tourism Youth Congress show how tourism can transform lives by creating opportunities for education, cultural exchange and inclusive growth.

To our visitors: come not only as tourists, but as partners in transformation — leaving footprints of respect on our ecosystems and helping preserve the natural beauty that sustains us all. To our stakeholders: let us innovate boldly, embracing sustainable solutions and inclusive policies that ensure every voice contributes to a stronger, more resilient Caribbean.

On behalf of CTO, I invite you to join us in this pursuit. Together, we can ensure that tourism becomes a catalyst for meaningful change — one that protects our environment, uplifts our people and leaves a legacy of sustainability and resilience for generations to come.

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CTO to Host World Tourism Day Special Event Ahead of SOTIC 2025 in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 25, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will mark World Tourism Day 2025 with a special pre-conference event on Monday, September 29, 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The gathering will be held at the Hilton Barbados as part of the opening activities for the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025.

The event will highlight the Caribbean’s leadership in sustainable tourism and climate action, while offering practical strategies for destinations, enterprises, communities and professionals across the sector. It also serves as the third installment of CTO’s Sustainable Tourism in Action series.

The program will open with remarks from CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, who will frame the significance of World Tourism Day 2025 (to be officially held on Saturday, September 27) and its alignment with CTO’s sustainability agenda.

A 90-minute panel discussion, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: From Vision to Action,” will feature regional leaders, including Maria Fowell, Senior Technical Specialist for Tourism, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission; Loreto Duffy-Mayers, Sustainable Tourism Expert; and Kim Butcher, Social Entrepreneur and Program Director, CARIFESTA XV.

Moderated by Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, the panel will explore the urgency of transformation, practical innovations, and partnerships for scaling sustainability. The session will conclude with key takeaways and a lightning round of immediate actions for stakeholders.

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the OECS Climate Action Plan, introduced by the OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, through recorded remarks, followed by a formal handover of the plan by the Chairman of the OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism to the CTO. The symbolic exchange underscores the central role of climate action in guiding sustainable tourism across the Caribbean.

Acceptance remarks will be delivered by Regis-Prosper, reinforcing the region’s commitment to aligning tourism with global sustainability and climate goals.

“This special event is both a celebration of World Tourism Day and a call to action,” said Regis-Prosper. “It will provide a platform for collaboration, showcase regional leadership, and ensure our stakeholders leave with practical solutions to advance sustainable transformation.”

The event is expected to draw policymakers, private sector leaders, community representatives, students, members of the media, and professionals from tourism and related industries. Outcomes are set to include enhanced regional dialogue, actionable insights, and greater visibility for Caribbean-led innovation in sustainable tourism.

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SOTIC 2025 to Feature Innovation Hub in Partnership with Winged Whale Media

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 22, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will debut a groundbreaking Innovation Hub at the upcoming State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, presented in partnership with Winged Whale Media, a global leader in immersive media solutions.

The Innovation Hub will showcase how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming tourism marketing, visitor engagement, workforce development, and destination resilience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive experiences ranging from reef and rainforest VR journeys to AI-powered booking assistants and digital wayfinding tools.

Ed Limon, Cofounder and Producer at Winged Whale Media, said the Innovation Hub is designed to inspire tourism leaders while demonstrating practical tools that can be deployed immediately across the region. “Innovation is how we tell our stories, protect our places and welcome the world,” he said.

Among the Hub’s highlights are:

  • Immersive VR Experiences showcasing Caribbean reefs, festivals and landscapes.
  • AI Itinerary & Booking Assistants providing 24/7 multilingual support while capturing valuable visitor data.
  • Virtual Wayfinders offering on-the-ground orientation for events, resorts and city centers.
  • AI Heritage Avatars enabling visitors and staff to interact with virtual storytellers, artisans and conservation guides.

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper said the Innovation Hub reflects the organization’s drive to keep the Caribbean competitive and future-ready. “We cannot rely on our natural beauty alone to secure our future. By embracing innovation, investing in sustainability and empowering our people, we can ensure that Caribbean tourism continues to grow stronger and more resilient in the years ahead.”

The Hub will also capture engagement data and feedback from delegates, helping CTO and its partners identify pilot-ready initiatives for destinations across the region.

The Innovation Hub at SOTIC 2025 underscores the CTO’s commitment to fostering collaboration between governments, the private sector and innovators to drive sustainable growth, elevate visitor experiences and strengthen the Caribbean’s position as a global tourism leader.

For more information about the conference, taking place September 30 to October 3 at Hilton Barbados Resort, visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org.

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CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress Returns at SOTIC 2025 in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 8, 2025) – The highly anticipated Regional Tourism Youth Congress, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will return this year as a major highlight of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place in Barbados.

The Youth Congress, one of CTO’s signature developmental initiatives, brings together students aged 14 to 17 from across the region, each serving as a “Junior Minister/Commissioner of Tourism”.

This year’s participants, representing 16 CTO member countries and territories, will present their research and innovative perspectives on the future of Caribbean tourism. The spirited exchanges, set for October 2, are designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the sector while providing delegates with a glimpse into the vision of the next generation.

Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, stated that the Youth Congress and its preceding events serve a critical function in educating the next generation about tourism’s considerable impact on the region. “This initiative transcends a simple competition,” she explained. “It represents a fundamental pathway to developing future tourism advocates and innovators who will help define the trajectory of the Caribbean tourism sector.”

In addition to competing, students will participate in the broader conference program, including a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon, Cofounder and CEO of Winged Whale Media — an award-winning XR/AI studio recognized for its pioneering work in immersive media and virtual tourism innovation. They will also benefit from another key session, “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad Workshop for Work, Life & Leadership”, facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image.

Last year, in the Cayman Islands, Keyana Warner of Nevis captured the top honor at the 20th CTO Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress, impressing judges and delegates alike with her insights and delivery. This year’s competition promises to be equally dynamic, with young leaders ready to showcase their passion for shaping the region’s most vital industry.

A total of 16 countries and territories will be represented in the 2025 Youth Congress:

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Jamaica
  • Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • St. Eustatius
  • St. Kitts
  • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
  • Tobago
  • U.S. Virgin Islands

The Congress is sponsored and supported by Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), Marketplace Excellence (MPE), and Winged Whale Media. It continues to serve as an important platform for empowering young Caribbean citizens, offering them exposure, mentorship and the opportunity to play a role in shaping the region’s tourism narrative.

For more information about the conference, taking place September 30 to October 3 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org.

Posted in: 2025 News, Blog, SOTIC

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CTO to Launch Groundbreaking Tourism Intelligence Award at SOTIC 2025

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 5, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will unveil a landmark regional honor — the Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award — at this year’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), underscoring the region’s push toward knowledge-led growth and evidence-based policy.

The award will be launched on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, during the official State of the Tourism Industry Presentation by CTO’s Research Department. It will recognize individuals, institutions and firms within the Caribbean producing high-quality research and data-driven insights that strengthen the region’s global competitiveness while advancing sustainability, resilience and people development.

“This award represents an important step in positioning the Caribbean as a global reference point in tourism strategy and innovation,” said Aliyyah Shakeer, Director of Research of CTO. “By recognizing those applying research, data and fresh thinking, we are reinforcing a culture of evidence-based decision-making — a cornerstone of our Reimagine Plan — that ensures growth is sustainable, resilient and inclusive.”

The award will evaluate nominees — including researchers, consultants, educators, students, tourism professionals, firms and institutions — on three criteria: academic and scientific excellence, practical industry impact, and leadership in sector development.

The initiative is rooted in CTO’s Reimagine Plan, a bold framework built on five pillars: sustainable and regenerative tourism, tourism intelligence, advocacy, market competitiveness and people development, with operational excellence driving internal reforms. The plan seeks to expand data infrastructure, boost skills training, enhance service standards, and align industry growth with global sustainability benchmarks.

By spotlighting transformative research and practical innovation, CTO aims to fortify the Caribbean’s role in shaping the future of tourism in an era of climate uncertainty, shifting markets and fierce global competition.

Details on award eligibility and submission guidelines will be released at SOTIC 2025 and through CTO’s official communications channels.

Current SOTIC 2025 sponsors include Chukka Caribbean Adventures Barbados Limited, Environics Analytics, Liat Air, Tiki and Virgin Atlantic with additional opportunities available for organizations wishing to align with the region’s sustainable tourism development initiatives. For more information, visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org.

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