The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at [email protected].

July 14, 2025

Barbados to host SOTIC 2025

Barbados will be the the epicenter of Caribbean tourism this fall, as the island hosts the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) highly anticipated State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). 

Scheduled for September 30 to October 3, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort, this annual gathering is widely recognized as the region’s premier forum for shaping the future of its vital tourism sector. 

Under the forward-thinking theme, “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead”, SOTIC 2025 promises to bring together a powerful confluence of government ministers, industry titans, international partners, and media for high-level discussions aimed at bolstering the Caribbean’s global competitiveness and sustainability.

This year’s conference arrives with a keen eye on innovation and diversification, introducing dedicated discussions around burgeoning sectors such as sports tourism, medical tourism, and health and wellness. These focal areas underscore a strategic shift to align with evolving global traveler preferences and unlock significant growth potential for destinations across the region. 

Learn more about SOTIC 2025 by visiting www.onecaribbean.org/sotic-2025.

CHIEF, Taste of the Caribbean also set for Bim

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) will host its Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) alongside Taste of the Caribbean from November 16-18, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle.

Bringing together tourism leaders, emerging professionals and top culinary talent from across the region, the twin events will promote knowledge sharing, highlight innovation and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that defines Caribbean tourism.

Under the theme “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence”, this year’s program will feature immersive workshops and hands-on training sessions.

Taste of the Caribbean will once again shine a spotlight on the region’s exceptional chefs and mixologists through its signature culinary competitions. Participants will compete for top honors in four categories: Caribbean Chef of the Year, Junior Chef, Bartender, and Pastry Chef.

For more information, visit www.chtachief.com.

FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show registration now open

Registration is officially open for the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show, taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from October 21-24.

Preparations are ramping up, with many of the 100 expected cruise executives already confirmed.

“This is the only event in the region that puts any attendee in direct contact with cruise executives that can drive business,” said Micky Arison, Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc and FCCA.

“We are proud of this event’s continued success for attendees and so many throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America,” said Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA. “The FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show has been the birthplace of everything from new tours to entire destination developments, so we are excited about what this year can bring for all.”

There is limited availability at the Official Conference Hotel, Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, and its alternate, Aloft San Juan.

To register and reserve rooms at the current block rates, visit www.FCCAConference.com.

Photo Flashback: Barbara Pyle at CMEx St. Thomas

In 2011, Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) delegates in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands had the privilege of connecting with legendary environmental advocate Barbara Pyle (in white jacket at left), former CNN Environment Editor and co-creator of the iconic animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers. 

A trailblazer in environmental media, Pyle served as Corporate Vice President of Environmental Policy for Turner Broadcasting and received the UN Environment Program (UNEP) Sasakawa Prize in 1997 — one of the world’s most prestigious environmental honors.

This photo captures Pyle with several of the Caribbean’s leading journalists and business figures, who continue to champion responsible media and sustainable tourism development throughout the region.

Save the Date: The 2025 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser returns to Miami on Sunday, December 7, 2025, celebrating excellence in communications, media, and community impact across the Caribbean and diaspora.

“You were chosen. You showed up. Now lead on.” — Joy Jibrilu, Chief Executive Officer, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board

Proverbially West Indian

“Better belly buss dan good food waste.”

In other words, “It’s better to overeat than to waste ready, available food.” Rooted in a history marked by food affordability and resourcefulness, the proverb speaks to a deep cultural value — not letting good food go to waste. Even if it means eating past comfort, the message is clear: make the most of what you have. It’s a reminder of the respect Caribbean people hold for food, family and the hard work behind every meal.

Medical Moment

UN Issues Global Call for Clean Air

The United Nations will mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7 with a renewed call to tackle air pollution — the world’s leading environmental health threat. 

Linked to millions of premature deaths each year, air pollution fuels strokes, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and cancer, while also endangering ecosystems, agriculture and food security.

The UN emphasizes that short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon, methane, and ground-level ozone are particularly dangerous but can be rapidly reduced with targeted interventions. The global body is urging governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to take urgent, coordinated action and invest in #CleanAirNow for the sake of human health, climate stability and environmental sustainability.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.