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Guyana President Irfaan Ali to Keynote CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference in October

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Sept. 3, 2026) — His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, president of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, placing the future of Caribbean tourism within the wider regional conversation on economic transformation, resilience, innovation and inclusive growth.

Set for Georgetown, Guyana, Oct. 5–9, SOTIC 2026 will be held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.” President Ali’s keynote will help frame the conference conversation around how Caribbean destinations can harness innovation and technology, strengthen environmental and economic resilience, and ensure that tourism growth creates meaningful opportunities for communities across the region.

His address comes as Caribbean tourism leaders confront a rapidly changing global environment shaped by new technologies, evolving traveler expectations, climate pressures and increasing competition. Against that backdrop, SOTIC will examine how the region can remain competitive while pursuing a model of tourism development that delivers stronger economic, social and environmental returns.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

“President Ali’s participation brings an important dimension to SOTIC at a time when we are asking fundamental questions about what the future of Caribbean tourism should look like,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of CTO. “He brings the perspective not only of a regional head of government but also of a leader who understands sustainable tourism and its connection to national development. As we explore a future that is smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive, his voice will help set the stage for the bold thinking and collaborative action our region needs.”

Guyana provides a particularly relevant setting for this year’s discussions. The country has placed sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation and community participation at the center of its tourism development strategy while pursuing broader economic diversification and investment in the sector.

Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s minister of tourism, industry and commerce, said hosting SOTIC and welcoming regional and international tourism leaders to Georgetown presents an opportunity to advance the Caribbean tourism conversation while showcasing Guyana’s evolving visitor economy.

“We are honored to welcome President Ali to deliver the keynote address and to host the Caribbean tourism community here in Guyana,” said Minister Rodrigues. “The conference theme speaks directly to the kind of tourism future we are working to build — one that embraces innovation, protects what makes our destinations distinctive and ensures that the benefits of tourism reach our people and communities. Guyana is proud to provide the setting for this important regional dialogue.”

President Ali, who was first sworn in as Guyana’s ninth executive president in August 2020 and began a second term in September 2025, brings significant experience in economic planning and national development to the conference. Before becoming president, he served in the National Assembly and held ministerial responsibility for Housing and Water as well as Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

He holds a doctorate in urban and regional planning from the University of the West Indies along with graduate and professional qualifications in manpower planning, international business, finance and international commercial law.

SOTIC is CTO’s principal forum for bringing together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, regional and international partners, academics, media, young people, and other industry stakeholders to examine the issues shaping Caribbean tourism.

The 2026 program will place particular emphasis on data, tourism intelligence, innovation, emerging technology, climate resilience and regenerative tourism, destination competitiveness, inclusive growth, and the role of the region’s next generation of tourism leaders. Guyana will host SOTIC for the first time.

CTO business meetings will take place Oct. 5–6, followed by the main SOTIC conference Oct. 7–8 including the Regional Tourism Youth Congress on Oct. 8. Destination Media Briefings will conclude the week on Oct. 9.

For more information and to register for SOTIC 2026, visit sotic.onecaribbean.org.

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CTO to Launch Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Aug. 31, 2026) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will launch its inaugural Future Leaders Forum at the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana, creating an interactive space for students and emerging professionals to engage directly with leaders helping to shape the region’s tourism industry.

Held Monday, Oct. 5, from 10–11:30 a.m., the pre-conference event will take place under the theme “From the Classroom to the Caribbean: Conversations with Tourism Leaders.” Rather than a traditional conference session, the forum will use an interactive town hall format designed to encourage candid conversation, questions and the exchange of ideas across generations.

The initiative complements the SOTIC 2026 theme, “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” by bringing young Caribbean voices directly into discussions about the forces expected to influence tourism over the next decade — from climate change and artificial intelligence to entrepreneurship, biodiversity, community tourism, destination management and workforce development.

narendra ramgulam

“The future of Caribbean tourism will not be shaped only in boardrooms or conference halls; it will also be shaped by the questions, ideas and ambitions of the young people preparing to enter this industry,” said Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s deputy director of sustainable tourism, who will moderate the forum. “The Future Leaders Forum is designed to give students a genuine voice in that conversation — not simply as spectators but as participants. We want them to challenge us, tell us what they see coming, and leave SOTIC understanding that they have both a role and a responsibility in defining what Caribbean tourism becomes next.”

CTO secretary-general and CEO, Dona Regis-Prosper, will open the forum, underscoring the organization’s commitment to investing in young people and preparing the next generation to lead an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving tourism sector.

The program will begin with a live audience poll exploring which issues participants believe will have the greatest influence on Caribbean tourism over the coming decade. This will be followed by a “Town Hall Kickstarter,” during which tourism leaders representing government, the private sector, academia and communities will each respond to a single question: What is one challenge the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders must solve — and why?

The session will then shift to an “Ask Me Anything: Caribbean Tourism Edition,” giving students the opportunity to lead the conversation and question tourism leaders on issues ranging from climate resilience and technology to entrepreneurship, careers, community development and the future direction of the industry.

Ramgulam is encouraging participating students to come prepared to make the most of the opportunity. “Bring your questions. Bring your ideas. Challenge us,” he said. “This is not a session where young people are expected to sit quietly and listen. We want them to ask the questions they have always wanted to ask tourism leaders, raise the issues that matter to them and tell us what they believe the Caribbean tourism industry should look like in the years ahead.”

A centerpiece of the forum will be the Caribbean Tourism Legacy Wall where participants will complete the statement, “My legacy for Caribbean tourism will be …” and publicly post their commitments. Regis-Prosper will be invited to make the first pledge, followed by participating tourism leaders and students, symbolizing the shared responsibility of established and emerging leaders for the Caribbean’s tourism future.

The emphasis on young people will continue during the week with the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, another signature conference event that gives young people from across the Caribbean a platform to debate tourism issues, share their perspectives and present ideas for the future of the region’s leading industry.

SOTIC 2026 will be held in Georgetown, Guyana, Oct. 5–9, bringing together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, industry specialists, media and other regional and international stakeholders to examine the issues and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

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SOTIC 2026 to Feature Cruise Master Class as Guyana Advances Cruise Tourism Ambitions

FCCA CEO Michele Paige to headline initiative focused on building capacity and unlocking new opportunities in cruise tourism

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Aug. 19, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, will host a special Cruise Master Class during the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana (Oct. 5-9, 2026), as the country takes important steps toward developing its potential as an emerging cruise tourism destination.

The Master Class, titled “Maximizing Destination Value through Cruise Tourism,” will feature Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), bringing one of the cruise industry’s leading voices to Georgetown for a productive exchange designed to strengthen understanding of the sector and help Guyana assess the opportunities, requirements and partnerships necessary to build a competitive cruise tourism product. FCCA works with destinations and cruise lines across the Caribbean and Latin America to strengthen cruise tourism development and maximize the economic benefits generated by the sector.

The session will provide tourism officials, private-sector stakeholders and other participants with practical industry insights into areas such as destination readiness, product development, shore experiences, service excellence, cruise line expectations and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

Norris Clement CTO

Norris Clement, CTO’s deputy director of professional services, said the Master Class reflects CTO’s commitment to ensuring that tourism growth is supported by the skills, knowledge and institutional capacity required to deliver long-term benefits. “Cruise tourism presents the entire Caribbean with an exciting opportunity. But we must have a clear understanding of how the industry works and the importance of strong partnerships, compelling visitor experiences and a workforce and business community prepared to deliver at a consistently high standard.”

Clement said: “This Master Class is about building that foundation and equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge that can help Guyana and the wider Caribbean continue to approach cruise tourism strategically, sustainably and competitively.”

The Cruise Master Class aligns with CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025–2027 and supports the ongoing work of its Cruise, Yachting and Ferry Committee, which is focused on strengthening engagement between Caribbean destinations and the cruise sector and expanding the benefits generated by marine tourism across the region.

beth hatt

Beth Hatt, founder of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, said Guyana has an opportunity to draw on proven industry experience and practical tools as it shapes its approach to cruise tourism. “For destinations across the Caribbean, cruise tourism represents an important opportunity, but maximizing that opportunity requires looking beyond the cruise call itself. It means understanding where value is created and where it can be strengthened, while building destination readiness, compelling visitor experiences, local participation and strong partnerships. We look forward to helping stakeholders explore how cruise tourism can contribute to broader tourism growth and long-term destination resilience.”

ambra attus

Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, who will be represented in Guyana by both Hatt and Ambra Attus, director of impact, development and growth, is a leading destination training provider for the global cruise industry. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience operating Aquila Tours and its Living Lab in Saint John, New Brunswick — where guest experiences are designed, tested and refined — the organization delivers training and development programs for destinations, tour companies, tour guides and front-line operators.

Aquila, a CTO Allied Member, works with cruise lines and destination stakeholders to support long-term cruise destination success.

Guyana’s emergence as a potential cruise destination adds a distinctive dimension to the Caribbean cruise landscape, complementing the region’s established island ports with experiences rooted in the country’s natural environment, cultural diversity and adventure tourism product.

Under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” this year marks the first time Guyana will host CTO’s flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference.

SOTIC brings together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, industry specialists, media and other regional and international stakeholders to examine the issues and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

Tags: aquila cruise centre, norris clement, sotic 2026, sotic guyana

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CTO to Launch Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Aug. 10, 2026) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will introduce the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum as part of the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), creating a dedicated platform to advance research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making across the region’s tourism sector.

The three-hour forum will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6, during SOTIC 2026 in Guyana under the conference theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive.” Designed as an accessible and engaging research exchange rather than a conventional academic conference, it will bring together academics, researchers, tourism practitioners, destination representatives, development partners, students and other interested delegates to share recent findings and explore practical solutions to the Caribbean’s most pressing tourism challenges.

“The Caribbean Tourism Research Forum reflects CTO’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Caribbean tourism is informed by credible research, regional collaboration and practical application,” said Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s director of research. “By creating stronger connections between researchers, policymakers and industry leaders, we can better equip our destinations to make informed decisions that support a smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive tourism industry.”

The program will feature two research showcase sessions. The first, “Emerging Research from Caribbean Universities,” will highlight recent or ongoing work from universities and research institutions.

The second, “Research in Practice: Applied and Destination Insights,” will focus on studies addressing specific policy, planning, market or destination-management challenges.

Presentations may examine topics including visitor behavior and changing travel patterns, tourism demand and forecasting, sustainable and regenerative tourism, climate resilience, community-based tourism, workforce development, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, destination competitiveness, market intelligence, economic impact and product development.

Each session will include concise presentations followed by moderated discussion with the forum concluding in a joint conversation on strengthening links between academic research and industry needs. Presentations will be limited to approximately 10 minutes and designed to be accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.

The forum aims to raise the visibility of tourism research conducted across the Caribbean, demonstrate how applied research addresses real destination and industry challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration among universities, tourism organizations, governments, development partners and the private sector. It reinforces the importance of evidence-based tourism planning and decision-making.

Participation is open to all registered SOTIC delegates at no additional cost.

To ensure broad regional representation, CTO is inviting nominations from Caribbean universities, recognized research institutions, the Caribbean Tourism Research Network and CTO member countries.

Click here to submit recommendations before Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026: https://forms.gle/bqDS2hVVD7vVFgsj7

Visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org/ for more information about SOTIC 2026.

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CTO Names interCaribbean Airways Official Airline Partner for SOTIC 2026

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (August 7, 2026) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has named interCaribbean Airways the Official Airline Partner for the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) being held in Georgetown, Guyana, Oct. 5-9.

Under the agreement, interCaribbean Airways will offer a 25% discount on flights for SOTIC delegates and CTO members traveling to the conference. The partnership is designed to strengthen regional participation and improve accessibility for attendees from across the Caribbean.

“We are proud to partner with the Caribbean Tourism Organization as the Official Airline Partner for SOTIC 2026,” said Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways. “As a regional airline, interCaribbean Airways is committed to strengthening connectivity across the Caribbean and making it easier for tourism leaders and stakeholders to come together to shape a smart, sustainable and inclusive future for the region. We look forward to welcoming delegates traveling to Georgetown for this important conference.”

Focusing on the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” SOTIC is the Caribbean’s premier tourism gathering. It brings together ministers, commissioners, directors of tourism, private-sector leaders, aviation executives, media and other key stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

“Regional connectivity remains one of the most important issues facing Caribbean tourism, and this partnership demonstrates the critical role that collaboration and accessible air travel play in bringing our region together,”

said Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of CTO. “The support of interCaribbean Airways will help ensure broader participation and enrich the important conversations taking place at this year’s conference.”

The interCaribbean Airways discount code will be shared with delegates upon registration.