Source: Caribbean Tourism Organization

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, 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, visit https://bit.ly/CaribbeanSTC2026.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology.

The CTO’s headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026.

Tel: +1 246 427-5242; Email: [email protected]

For more information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow the CTO on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

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