Archive for 2026

Saint Lucia to Host First CTO Latin American Market Summit

SAO PAULO, Brazil (April 16, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announced that Saint Lucia will host the inaugural CTO Latin American Market Summit next year on May 5-6, 2027.

The announcement was made this week at World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America in Brazil.

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism of Saint Lucia, in Brazil this week.

The one-and-a-half-day summit is designed to deepen ties between Caribbean tourism stakeholders and the fast-growing Latin American travel market. It will convene Latin American airlines, tour operators, travel agents, media representatives and partner destinations to identify opportunities, build commercial partnerships and advance regional collaboration.

Key objectives include positioning the Caribbean as a premier destination for Latin American travelers, sharing market research and insights through panels and keynote sessions, enabling direct one-on-one business meetings, and strengthening cooperation with CTO Allied Members, ACI-LAC and other industry partners. The event will also feature showcases of individual Caribbean destinations.

A major focus will be improving air connectivity between the Caribbean and Latin America. Organizers plan to build on findings from the CTO Air Connectivity Study, which highlighted capacity gaps and significant potential for new air services to key South American markets, including Argentina, Chile and Brazil.

South America was the Caribbean’s strongest-performing source market in 2025, with arrivals rising 23.7% to 2.4 million visits. Officials attribute the surge to better air links, targeted marketing campaigns and rising outbound demand from the region, which has helped diversify the Caribbean’s traditional source markets.

“Saint Lucia is honored to host the 2027 CTO Latin American Market Summit with a strong focus on connectivity and strengthening ties with Latin America,” said Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage.

Speaking in São Paulo at WTM Latin America, he added: “By targeting new direct links, we can open fresh markets, boost visitor numbers and revenue, and drive sustainable economic growth across the region’s communities.”

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, stated: “Hosting the 2027 summit in Saint Lucia with a dedicated focus on Latin America will allow us to turn insights into action — identifying new routes, forging partnerships, and delivering tangible benefits for our member countries.”

The event, to be held just before the start of the legendary Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, is expected to include targeted sessions on route development, market intelligence and partnership-building initiatives.

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Tourism Careers: Expanding the Horizon of Opportunity in the Caribbean

karolin jade mountain

From protecting marine ecosystems to driving digital innovation, tourism today offers far more diverse career opportunities than many young Caribbean professionals realize.

Tourism is widely recognized as the Caribbean’s leading economic sector and a major driver of employment across the region. Yet one dimension of the industry often remains underappreciated: the remarkable diversity of professional opportunities it offers.

Many young people still view tourism primarily through the lens of frontline hospitality roles — hotel reception, restaurant service or housekeeping. These are important and rewarding professions, but they represent only one part of a much broader and increasingly sophisticated industry. Today’s tourism sector requires expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including sustainability and regenerative tourism, marine conservation, information technology, digital marketing, finance and revenue management, destination planning, climate resilience and talent development.

Digital Transformation and Technology in the Tourism Sector

Technology is transforming how visitors discover, book and experience destinations. Digital platforms, data analytics, guest experience technologies and cybersecurity are becoming essential elements of modern tourism operations. As a result, IT and digital transformation are emerging as critical areas of opportunity for the next generation of Caribbean professionals.

Culinary Excellence and Gastronomy Innovations

At the same time, the culinary dimension of tourism has evolved significantly. Caribbean cuisine is gaining international recognition, and culinary arts within the tourism sector have reached a new level of creativity and excellence. For many young professionals, careers in culinary arts, gastronomy and food innovation offer rewarding and highly respected professional pathways.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development

Tourism in small island developing states also sits at the intersection of economic development and environmental stewardship. Healthy coral reefs, protected coastlines, thriving forests and resilient communities are central not only to our natural heritage but also to the long-term sustainability of Caribbean tourism.

Investing in Future Leaders: CHTAEF and Global Training Partnerships

Through my volunteer work as Chair of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF), we seek to expand pathways for Caribbean nationals to build meaningful careers in tourism. The Foundation supports both on-island training initiatives and scholarships for international hospitality education. Through our partnership with Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, we help Caribbean students access world-class training and leadership opportunities.

Building a Dynamic Career Ecosystem for the Caribbean

Looking ahead, strengthening Caribbean talent in areas such as executive hospitality management, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, marine conservation, regenerative tourism, culinary arts and digital innovation will be essential to the continued success of our tourism economies. Tourism should therefore not be seen simply as a job, but as a dynamic career ecosystem offering opportunities for innovation, leadership and stewardship of the Caribbean’s natural and cultural heritage.

 

Author: Karolin Troubetzkoy

Owner/ Chief Operating Officer,
Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain Resorts, Saint Lucia
Chair, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation

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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).

Posted in: 2026 News, Blog, Corporate News, STC

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What the Most Resilient Destinations Understand About Sustainability

 

aquila training session

The strength of a destination lies not only in its natural beauty or infrastructure, but in the pride, knowledge, and care of the people who share their home with the world.

Destinations everywhere are investing in infrastructure, new experiences, and sustainability initiatives. Yet many leaders still face the same question: why do some places consistently deliver strong visitor experiences while others struggle, even with similar resources?

Beyond Infrastructure: Why Human Capital is the Core of Destination Strength

From all of Aquila’s work with destinations throughout the Caribbean, one lesson stands out: resilience is rarely about physical assets alone. It is about people systems.

Through its work with destinations, ports, and tourism stakeholders across the Caribbean, Aquila focuses on strengthening the human side of visitor experiences – supporting frontline teams, tour operators, and partners to align around shared standards, improve communication, and build confidence in how experiences are delivered.

Building Resilience Through People Systems and Collaborative Tourism

This work takes place through training, facilitated collaboration, and on-the-ground engagement, providing a clear view into how daily decisions and interactions influence both guest satisfaction and community outcomes.

When conditions change – whether due to weather, volume, shifting visitor expectations, or operational disruptions – the destinations that adapt most smoothly are the ones where teams understand the bigger picture and feel empowered to act on it. Frontline staff, partners, and community members know what success looks like and feel confident making decisions that support it.

Empowering the Frontline: Turning Strategy into Exceptional Visitor Experiences

That clarity shows up immediately in the visitor experience. Guests may not notice the systems behind the scenes, but they feel the difference when people are aligned and empowered.

Sustainability follows a similar pattern. It often begins as a policy or strategic priority, but it becomes real only when it shapes daily choices – how groups move through a destination, how stories are told, how challenges are handled in the moment.

The Link Between Operational Clarity and Long-Term Tourism Sustainability

The most resilient destinations understand that long-term success depends on more than facilities, marketing, or programming. They invest in the people who bring those elements to life. Training, communication, and shared understanding create the conditions where sustainability and quality experiences can thrive together.

In many ways, resilience and sustainability are two sides of the same coin. Both depend on the ability of people across a destination to act with clarity, confidence, and pride in what they represent.

When those human systems are strong, destinations are better prepared not only to welcome visitors, but to adapt, evolve, and thrive over time.

 

Beth HattAuthor: Beth Hatt
Founder, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

Website: https://cruiseexcellence.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AquilaCruiseExcellence
YouTube Channel
LinkedIn 

 

Posted in: 2025 News, Allied Member Insights, Blog

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Well Within: Why Employee Wellness is the Most Important Investment Caribbean Tourism Can Make

Well Within: Why Employee Wellness is the Most Important Investment Caribbean Tourism Can Make

In an industry being reshaped by AI and rapid change, the Caribbean’s greatest competitive advantage remains its people.

The global wellness tourism market crossed US$1 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027, according to the Global Wellness Institute*. The Caribbean is a natural part of that growth story, and it is not hard to understand why. Warm waters, lush landscapes and a culture rooted in community and care make the Caribbean a natural home for this kind of travel.

And yet, while much of the conversation centers on the guest experience, the industry faces an equally important and often overlooked question: What does wellness mean for the people delivering that experience every single day? The pace of change in tourism is putting real pressure on the people at the heart of it. In an industry built on warmth, attention and human connection, a stretched and unsupported team is not just an operational challenge. It is a cultural one, and it is felt in every single guest interaction.

The Science Behind It

One of the most important things we have learned from neuroscience in recent years is that the brain can change. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself through new experiences and intentional practice, is at the heart of every meaningful leadership and wellness journey. When people are stressed, overwhelmed or stuck, the brain literally falls into neural ruts, defaulting to habitual patterns of thinking and reacting rather than responding with creativity, empathy and clarity.

The good news is that the same science tells us the brain can be retrained. Specific wellness practices, when introduced consistently and intentionally, create significant shifts in how people think, feel and lead. This is exactly why, in our work with leaders and in our strategic retreats, a wellness component is not optional. It is mandatory. Before any strategic conversation can truly land, leaders need to get into the right headspace, literally.

Practical Wellness for Teams

Some of the most impactful practices being integrated into team development and leadership programs across the region include the following:

  • Sound baths and acoustic therapy using vibrational sound to calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels.
  • Breathwork is one of the most accessible and powerful tools available for managing stress and anxiety in real time. Teaching frontline staff a simple two-minute breathing practice before a shift begins costs nothing and changes everything about how they show up.
  • Guided meditation, even in short five-to-10-minute formats, has been shown to reduce workplace anxiety, improve emotional regulation and increase the capacity for empathy. A team member who begins their shift centered and present brings something to the guest experience that simply cannot be scripted or trained in the traditional sense.

Nature-based well-being practices are perhaps the Caribbean’s greatest untapped resource for employee wellness. The science of blue and green space, time spent near water and in natural environments, consistently shows reductions in stress hormones, improvements in mood and enhanced cognitive function. Half Moon Resort in Jamaica was recognized at the 2025 Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum for a comprehensive, employee-centered strategy that blends wellness initiatives and continuous training to help maintain its Forbes-rated luxury service standards. Organizations that are building cultures around employee wellness are seeing the results in retention, engagement and quality of the guest experiences they deliver.

Source: *Global Wellness Institute (2024). Wellness Tourism Economy. Retrieved from globalwellnessinstitute.org.

 
amrita bhalla

Amrita Bhalla

Author: Amrita Bhalla
Managing Director, A.B. Consulting

@Amrita Bhalla, GPHR
@A.BConsultingHR
Instagram: a.bconsulting
Website: www.a-bconsulting.com

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