Archive for SOTIC

Tourism Visionary Dr. Auliana Poon to Keynote CTO’s SOTIC 2025 in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (August 29, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that Dr. Auliana Poon, one of the world’s foremost authorities on tourism and sustainable development, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place September 30 to October 3 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

Hosted in partnership with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., SOTIC 2025 will bring together tourism ministers, directors, senior executives, and stakeholders to tackle the issues shaping the region’s future as a leading global travel destination. With the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead,” the dynamic program will feature high-level panels, cutting-edge research, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

Dr. Poon, a Berlin-based trained economist and pioneering tourism strategist from Trinidad & Tobago, has worked in more than 40 destinations worldwide, helping shape policy, strategy and competitiveness. She introduced the now widely referenced concepts of “Old Tourism” and “New Tourism”, developed South Africa’s Responsible Tourism policy, and crafted innovative destination strategies for places as diverse as Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Montserrat and Mozambique. Her influential book “Tourism, Technology and Competitive Strategies” remains a cornerstone of global tourism research.

“The Caribbean stands at a critical juncture — one where research, resilience and relevance must guide our path forward,” said Dr. Poon. “I am honored to join industry leaders at SOTIC to share insights on how the region can chart bold strategies that ensure tourism is not only competitive, but also sustainable and inclusive for generations to come.”

One of the key highlights of the conference will be CTO’s data-driven session “Caribbean Tourism: Trends, Truths and Trajectories”, presented by the CTO Research Department, offering insights into regional tourism performance, market dynamics, and future forecasts. Other sessions will explore airlift expansion, medical and wellness tourism, sports tourism, cruise and stay-over synergies, and source market opportunities in North America, Latin America, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper said Dr. Poon’s keynote will set the tone for the week’s deliberations: “Dr. Poon has been a trailblazer in redefining global tourism policy, strategy and practice. Her perspective will inspire our members and partners to think bigger and act smarter as we advance the Caribbean tourism agenda. SOTIC 2025 promises to be a truly transformative event for our region.”

The conference will also feature the Regional Tourism Youth Congress on October 2, giving a platform to the next generation of tourism ambassadors from across CTO member states.

Current SOTIC 2025 sponsors include Environics Analytics, Liat Air, Tiki and Virgin Atlantic with additional opportunities available for organizations wishing to align with the region’s sustainable tourism development.

For more information, visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org.

Posted in: 2025 News, Blog, SOTIC

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CTO to Drive Future of Caribbean Tourism at SOTIC 2025

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (August 11, 2025) — From strategies to boost airlift and unlock growth in sports, wellness and cruise tourism opportunities, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) will tackle the issues shaping the Caribbean’s future as a leading global travel destination. Taking place September 30 to October 3 at Hilton Barbados Resort, SOTIC 2025 will feature high-level panels, cutting-edge research, and actionable insights under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.” The full schedule can be found at bit.ly/SOTICProgram2025.

One of the key highlights of the regional meeting, hosted in partnership with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will be the highly anticipated session “Caribbean Tourism: Trends, Truths and Trajectories” presented by the CTO’s Research Department. This data-driven discussion will offer fresh insights into regional tourism performance, market dynamics, and future forecasts, helping stakeholders understand the realities shaping the industry today and the paths forward.

The conference also includes a “Ministerial Exchange on Caribbean Tourism”, where policymakers and industry leaders will debate sustainable development, inter-island collaboration, and strategies for improving regional and international connectivity. Attendees will also explore growth opportunities in medical and wellness tourism, sports tourism, and the cruise and stay-over sectors, as well as insights from key source markets in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region.

CTO will again host the Regional Tourism Youth Congress on October 2, showcasing the next generation of tourism ambassadors from across CTO member states.

“SOTIC 2025 promises to be a truly transformative event for our region, and the Caribbean Tourism Organization is proud to host it,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s Secretary-General and CEO. “By uniting the brightest minds in the industry, we aim to ignite a collective vision for a more resilient, sustainable and innovative Caribbean tourism sector.”

The dynamic program features keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and networking events, alongside dedicated sessions such as “The Stay-Over Market: Driving Growth in Caribbean Tourism” (presented by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association) and “A Holistic Approach to Tourism: Uniting Cruise and Hotel Sectors for Destination-Wide Success” (presented by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association).

Current sponsors of SOTIC 2025 include Liat Air and Tiki.

CTO invites additional leading organizations to become partners in this premier industry event, offering opportunities to showcase support for the region’s sustainable tourism development through exclusive brand visibility, speaking roles, and access to high-level networking with decision-makers.

For the full suite of sponsorship opportunities, visit https://bit.ly/soticsponsorship2025.

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Barbados to Host CTO’s 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (July 11, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that Barbados will host the 2025 edition of its flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place from September 30 to October 3, 2025, at Hilton Barbados Resort.

The annual gathering — widely regarded as the premier forum for shaping the future of Caribbean tourism — will bring together government ministers, tourism executives, international partners, media, students and stakeholders from across the region and beyond for high-level discussions on industry trends, research, policy and investment.

The 2025 conference will be held under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead”, focusing on data-driven strategies and practical pathways to strengthen the region’s global competitiveness and sustainability. The conference will feature the annual Regional Tourism Youth Congress, engaging “Junior Ministers of Tourism” from CTO member countries and territories.

New areas of focus at this year’s conference include in-depth conversations around sports tourism, medical tourism, and health and wellness — sectors that offer significant growth potential and align with global shifts in traveler preferences. These sessions will explore how destinations can diversify their offerings, attract new markets, and create more resilient and inclusive tourism economies.

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“Barbados offers an ideal setting for this forward-looking dialogue on Caribbean tourism,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. “As we reimagine the future of our sector, we must ground our strategies in solid research, ensure our actions are relevant to today’s traveler, and work together on a clear roadmap for what lies ahead.”

The conference is being hosted in partnership with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., with support from both public and private sector stakeholders across the island.

“As the host destination and headquarters of CTO, Barbados is proud to welcome the region’s tourism leaders for this timely exchange,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. and Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors. “The theme of this year’s conference speaks to the heart of our mission — to advance tourism that is informed, inclusive and impactful. We look forward to meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes.”

SOTIC 2025 will feature inspiring addresses, expert panels, data presentations, workshops and networking sessions designed to chart a progressive course for Caribbean tourism. It will also provide updates on CTO’s “Reimagine 2025–2027” strategic plan, which is currently being rolled out to support regional transformation and collaboration.

Details on registration, accommodations, and sponsorship opportunities are currently being updated at https://vc1qm6fc4tp.c.updraftclone.com/sotic-2025.

Posted in: 2025 News, Blog, Corporate News, SOTIC

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Carnival Corporation Reaffirms Commitment to Caribbean Tourism at SOTIC

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 16, 2024): Carnival Corporation highlighted its commitment to Caribbean tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the Cayman Islands recently.

Carnival supported the Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress and participated in a key panel discussion on cruise sector growth, the company stated.

Carnival Corporation awarded a $4,000 scholarship to the Regional Tourism Youth Congress winner for the best idea to advance Caribbean tourism. Additionally, in partnership with Acordis International Corp., the company presented a laptop to the second-place winner. The Congress, which includes students aged 14 to 17 from CTO member countries, focuses on exploring and shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.


Marie McKenzie, senior vice president of government and destination affairs for Carnival Corporation, said: “Carnival Corporation is proud to support the CTO’s Youth Congress and invest in the future of Caribbean tourism. We believe in the potential of Caribbean youth to shape an innovative and sustainable future for the industry. This scholarship is just one way we’re working to nurture talent and create opportunities for the next generation of tourism leaders.”

David Candib, vice President of port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, participated in a panel discussion on the “Growth of the Cruise Sector” alongside Richard Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises USA. Candib discussed the industry’s record-breaking performance and Carnival’s expansion plans.

 “The cruise industry continues to break records, with demand for cruise vacations at an all-time high,” said Candib. “Carnival Corporation recently closed another quarter delivering records across revenues, operating income, customer deposits, and booking levels, exceeding our guidance on every measure.”

Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s secretary-general and CEO, said: “We are delighted to have Carnival Corporation’s strong presence at SOTIC. Their commitment to Caribbean tourism, from empowering our youth to driving sustainable growth, exemplifies the kind of partnership that propels our region forward. The company’s initiatives in local employment and environmental stewardship are invaluable as we collectively shape the future of Caribbean tourism.”

 Carnival Corporation also gave the Youth Congress participants a tour, allowing them to see first-hand the career opportunities available in the cruise industry. The company currently employs about 1,400 Caribbean nationals on Carnival Cruise Line ships and is expanding its workforce through initiatives such as partnerships with Caribbean Maritime University, nautical and culinary apprentice programs and recruitment efforts in Caribbean communities.

“Our participation in this conference and our ongoing initiatives demonstrate Carnival Corporation’s unwavering commitment to the Caribbean. We’re not just cruise operators; we’re active participants in shaping a thriving, sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and residents,” added McKenzie.

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Nevis Junior Minister of Tourism Triumphs at CTO’s Youth Congress

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands (September 8, 2024) – Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, has been crowned the winner of the 20th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Warner, a student from Charlestown Secondary School, secured the victory following an outstanding presentation on Thursday at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.

The Congress, a highlight of the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Through the Eyes of Tomorrow”, featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean. These young minds shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry, exploring topics such as adventure tourism, solo travel, collaboration across cultures, and the blue economy.

Anthurium Lewis of Bishop’s High School in Tobago claimed second place, while Khari Gonsalves of Basseterre High School in St. Kitts secured third place.

“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”

The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon, and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.

The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.

The Congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands.

Judges for the Congress were Aquila’s Beth Hatt; Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

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