STC

CTO Presents 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Award Winners

SAN PEDRO, Belize (May 1, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has unveiled the winners of the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards, spotlighting top-tier innovation in the region’s journey toward sustainable and regenerative tourism. Honorees from Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands were recognized for their leadership in pioneering sustainable tourism practices that protect the Caribbean’s natural and cultural assets.

Established in 2000, the awards honor individuals, organizations and destinations driving positive change through environmental stewardship, community empowerment, cultural preservation and climate resilience. This year’s winners underscore the Caribbean’s continued leadership in building a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.

The awards were presented on Thursday during CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize, where regional leaders, industry stakeholders and international partners gathered to share best practices and advance the sustainability agenda.

Representatives of the winning organizations were present to accept their awards, including Craig Hayes, Owner, Turneffe Flats in Belize; Candace Phillips, Senior Manager of Product Development atthe Guyana Tourism Authority; Larisa McBean, Tourism Specialist at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund; and Dr. Jasmine Thomas, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust.

Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award (Sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd.)

Turneffe Flats, Belize, received the program’s highest honor, recognizing comprehensive and measurable sustainable tourism practices. The property demonstrated excellence across environmental management, community engagement and innovation, delivering a world-class visitor experience while contributing to long-term sustainability.

Community-Based Tourism Award (Sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc)

Guyana Inni Lodge — Toka Village, Guyana, was recognized for its community-led tourism model, placing local people at the center of development. The initiative delivers authentic visitor experiences while generating tangible social and economic benefits for the community.

Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award (Sponsored by CTO)

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) – REDI II Programme, Jamaica, was recognized for its exceptional contribution to tourism resilience and disaster risk management. The REDI II Programme demonstrates a comprehensive approach to strengthening tourism-dependent communities and enhancing their capacity to withstand and recover from shocks.

Regenerative Tourism Award (Sponsored by CTO)

The Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust, Turks and Caicos Islands, was honored for initiatives that go beyond sustainability to create net-positive impacts. The organization has demonstrated leadership in ecosystem restoration, cultural preservation and community engagement, setting a benchmark for regenerative tourism in the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean continues to demonstrate that tourism can be a powerful force for good, driving economic growth while protecting our natural and cultural heritage,” said Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at CTO. “This year’s awardees represent the very best of our region’s innovation, resilience and commitment to sustainability.”

The winners were recognized during the ceremony and will also be featured in CTO’s Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Good Practices database.

STC 2026, hosted by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board, was sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd. (BIHL).

Additional Belizean sponsors and supporters include Belize Bank, Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), Belize Water Services, Border Management Agency, Bowen & Bowen, Courts, Development Finance Corporation, DigiBusiness, Gongora Construction and Supply, Greater Belize Media, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICB), LED Belize, National Institute of Culture and History, Protected Areas Conservation Trust, smart!, and Wine Smith Ltd.

Robust Speaker Lineup Builds Excitement for STC 2026 in Belize

SAN PEDRO, Belize (April 9, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has assembled more than 40 speakers for its 17th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2026) at month-end, highlighting regenerative practices and community benefit tourism development. Anchored in the concept of “Tourism in Full Color,” the April 27-30 conference will explore how Caribbean destinations can move beyond siloed approaches by adopting integrated tourism development models.

These models are based on the Blue Economy through responsible use of marine and coastal assets, the Green Economy by advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient and nature-positive solutions, the Orange Economy by unlocking the value of culture, heritage and creative industries, and the “beyond” economies such as the Purple Economy, which emphasizes social cohesion, identity, wellbeing and inclusive growth.

Drawing on her Indigenous knowledge and inclusive frameworks, Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism, will deliver the keynote address “Tourism in Full Color – A New Development Paradigm” which will aim to examine a more holistic approach to tourism development.

Additional featured speakers include Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s ambassador and special envoy for climate change and environment, who will examine the management of climate risk, and Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, addressing the management of carrying capacity in a climate-constrained world.

High-level officials will also take center stage in a ministerial dialogue on building resilience. Participants include Belize’s Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler; Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Orlando Habet; and Tobago’s Secretary of Tourism, Zorisha Hackett.

“The strength of STC 2026 lies in the diversity of voices and expertise coming together to shape the future of Caribbean tourism,” said Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism. “By bringing together policymakers, practitioners and innovators from across sectors and regions, we are creating a platform where ideas can be exchanged, partnerships formed and practical solutions developed for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable industry.”

Sessions on inclusive development will feature Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene-Kamara, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, while Dr. Acolla Lewis-Cameron of The University of the West Indies will address the importance of green tourism pathways. Additional perspectives will come from Belizean tourism expert Seleni Matus of The George Washington University; Dahlia Guard of the Saint Lucia Community Tourism Agency; Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; and Frank Comito, former CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

Moderated discussions will feature award-winning Caribbean journalist Julian Rogers, and include representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank, CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, The Travel Foundation, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission.

In addition to plenary sessions and technical workshops, the program includes a full day of Sustainability in Action site visits. Delegates will explore various locations through curated immersive experiences, including the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Hopkins Experience (Palmento Grove Eco-Cultural and Healing Lodge, Che’il Mayan Chocolate, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary), and The Chaa Creek Experience, offering firsthand insight into community-based tourism, marine and terrestrial conservation, and cultural heritage initiatives.

STC 2026, hosted by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board, is sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd (BIHL).

Additional Belizean sponsors and supporters include Bowen & Bowen, Development Finance Corporation, DIGI Belize, National Institute of Culture and History, Wine Smith Ltd., and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE).

Belize Highlights Natural Assets and Sustainability Focus Ahead of STC 2026

HAMILTON, Bermuda (March 20, 2026) — Belize’s tourism minister has extended an open invitation to tourism industry leaders to visit the Central American and Caribbean nation next month, highlighting its world-class natural assets and long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism.

Speaking ahead of a major Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) conference, Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, showcased Belize’s diverse offerings during remarks tied to the upcoming Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2026), scheduled for April 27–30 in Belize.

“It is our honor to host the next Sustainable Tourism Conference in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in Belize under the theme ‘Tourism in Full Color’,” Mahler told regional delegates attending CTO’s Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda last month.

Mahler noted that many across the Caribbean remain unfamiliar with Belize’s tourism product, positioning the conference as an opportunity to broaden awareness. “Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia. We have three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere. We have the Great Blue Hole. We have about 250 to 300 offshore islands. We have the history of the Maya civilization. We have about 35 rivers, mountains, a rich rainforest just like the Amazon,” he said.

He emphasized the destination’s accessibility and diversity of experiences: “You don’t have to go to Australia to have great diving or snorkeling. You don’t have to go to Egypt to see pyramids. And you don’t have to go to New York or Miami or LA or any of those cities to have a diversity of people. We have all of that packaged in such a small piece of real estate in Belize.”

Belize has prioritized sustainable tourism for nearly 50 years with eco-adventure at the core of its development strategy, Minister Mahler added. The country’s tourism product includes approximately 12,000 rooms, many of them intimate properties that reflect a community-based model of sustainability.

The 17th edition of STC, organized by CTO in partnership with the Belize Tourism Board, will convene regional and international leaders under the theme “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies into Sustainable Planning and Development.”

Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan, DNZM, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism, will deliver the keynote address. The program will feature ministerial roundtables, expert sessions, master classes and field experiences focused on the blue economy, green climate-resilient solutions, orange cultural and creative industries, and broader priorities including social cohesion and inclusive growth.

The conference underscores Belize’s commitment to sustainable tourism and reinforces its role as a catalyst for innovation and responsible growth in the Caribbean. STC 2026 will serve as a platform for bold ideas, strategic partnerships and actionable outcomes as delegates work to shape a more sustainable future for regional tourism.

Registration and additional details are available at: https://bit.ly/CaribbeanSTC2026.

Indigenous Tourism Trailblazer Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM to Keynote STC-2026 in Belize

SAN PEDRO, Belize (Feb. 26, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT), will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026).

The conference, themed “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies,” will take place April 27-30, 2026, in the coastal town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Belize.

A Global Voice for Indigenous Values

Dame Pania is internationally recognized for advancing indigenous-led tourism development. Since 2009, she has championed a values-based investment model that places cultural identity, guardianship and community well-being at the center of economic success. Her leadership has helped reshape Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism landscape by embedding Māori values, including stewardship and intergenerational sustainability, into the national tourism framework.

Her participation at STC 2026 reflects a deepening connection between the Caribbean and Māori worldviews on tourism, both of which increasingly emphasize the “purple economy” — where cultural values, social cohesion and inclusive growth intersect.

“We are honored to welcome Dame Pania to the Caribbean stage at such a pivotal time for our industry,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO. “Her groundbreaking work in ‘culturalizing commerce’ aligns seamlessly with our ‘Tourism in Full Color’ vision. Dame Pania’s insights will challenge us to move beyond fragmented planning and embrace integrated models that honor our heritage while safeguarding our environmental and economic future.”

Tourism in Full Color

Hosted in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, the 17th edition of the STC is designed to move beyond traditional sustainability silos and examine the interplay among key economic pillars:

• Blue and Green Economies — advancing marine conservation, climate resilience and low-carbon growth

• Orange Economy — unlocking the creative and cultural potential of the region’s heritage industries

• Beyond Economies (including Purple) — prioritizing indigenous knowledge systems, social cohesion and regenerative prosperity

“As a nation where indigenous heritage and the richness of our natural landscapes together shape who we are, Belize is deeply honored to host STC 2026,” said Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations. From the enduring legacy of the ancient Maya to the UNESCO-recognized traditions of the Garifuna people, and from our forests to our Barrier Reef, our story is woven from the resilience of these communities and the lands they have long cared for. By welcoming global leaders like Dame Pania to our shores, we underscore that Indigenous wisdom is not merely part of our past — it is an essential blueprint for a sustainable, regenerative future for Caribbean tourism.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Dame Pania brings more than three decades of experience to the conference. Her honors include recognition as one of the Top 50 Global Tourism Innovators in 2021 and induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, she was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and business.

Over four days, STC 2026 will feature ministerial roundtables, master classes and field-based learning experiences, offering delegates direct exposure to Belize’s sustainable tourism initiatives.

For registration and sponsorship information, visit https://bit.ly/CaribbeanSTC2026.

Caribbean Tourism Leaders to Address Multi-Sector Sustainability at Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize

BELIZE CITY, Belize (February 18, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, will host the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026) from April 27-30, 2026, at Caribeville, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Now in its 17th edition, the Conference will convene regional and international tourism leaders under the theme: “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies into Sustainable Planning and Development.”

“STC 2026 reflects the Caribbean’s commitment to reimagining tourism as a powerful driver of inclusive growth, climate resilience and cultural vitality,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s Secretary-General and CEO. “By embracing a Tourism in Full Color approach, we are encouraging destinations to move beyond fragmented planning and instead adopt integrated models that balance environmental stewardship, cultural identity, community well-being and economic opportunity.”

“Belize is deeply honored to host STC 2026 and to welcome regional and international leaders to our shores,” said Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations. “This conference underscores Belize’s commitment to sustainable tourism and reinforces our role as a catalyst for innovation and responsible growth in the Caribbean. STC 2026 will serve as a dynamic platform for bold ideas and strategic partnerships. I invite industry partners and policymakers to join us as we help shape a sustainable future for Caribbean tourism.”

Anchored in the concept of Tourism in Full Color, the conference will explore integrated tourism development models that move beyond traditional silos to harness the full range of Caribbean assets:

• The Blue Economy focusing on responsible use of marine and coastal resources;
• The Green Economy advancing climate-resilient, low-carbon and nature-positive tourism solutions;
• The Orange Economy unlocking the economic value of culture, heritage and creative industries; and
• Beyond economies, including the Purple Economy, which emphasizes values, social cohesion, identity, well-being and inclusive growth.

The four-day program will feature a ministerial roundtable, expert plenaries, concurrent technical sessions, master classes and field-based learning experiences in sustainable tourism practices. Topics will range from blue and green financing, climate risk management and regenerative tourism, to cultural tourism, creative industries, and governance of emerging tourism models. Together, these sessions are designed to support the development and implementation of forward-looking policies, programs and partnerships that enhance competitiveness and long-term sustainability across CTO member destinations.

STC 2026 sponsorship offers organizations a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. Sponsors will receive targeted exposure to an influential audience of more than 300 local, regional and international tourism leaders, policymakers, development agencies, media and allied sector stakeholders. Benefits include brand visibility throughout the conference, networking opportunities and a featured speaking engagement to showcase insights, innovations and best practices.

The active engagement of the public and private sectors, nongovernmental organizations, Indigenous and community-based enterprises, and development partners is essential to advancing tourism that delivers shared value for people, place and prosperity.

For more information about STC 2026, including registration, go to https://www.onecaribbean.org/events-calendar/stc-2026/.