MPE CARIBBEAN REPORT NEWSLETTER – March 16, 2026
Minister Satyakama Maharaj (left) and Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine share fellowship during a meeting focused on boosting tourism, trade and economic growth. Photo Credit: Tourism Trinidad Limited (LinkedIn)
| March 16, 2026 |
T&T visitor arrivals soar as airlift expands
Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism is reporting an uptick in visitor arrivals in 2025.
“Tourism continues to drive economic momentum for Trinidad and Tobago,” the ministry reported on social media this week. The country welcomed 370,266 visitors in 2025, representing an 11 percent increase when compared with the same period in 2024. Air connectivity is also expanding, with 9,206 flights — an eight percent increase year over year.
“More visitors mean greater spending in hotels, transportation, restaurants, and retail, supporting businesses, strengthening GDP growth, and increasing foreign exchange inflows,” the ministry added, noting that “tourism is not just about travel, it’s about economic opportunity and national growth.”
T&T’s Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj met with Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and their respective teams last week for discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and advancing economic opportunities.
The meeting provided an opportunity to explore areas of partnership aimed at boosting trade, enhancing tourism, supporting local businesses and driving sustainable development. Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and growth.
FCCA Leadership Series spotlights cruise industry titan Micky Arison
Episode Two of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Leadership Series has been unveiled, featuring one of the most influential figures in the modern cruise industry — Micky Arison, Chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc.
In a candid conversation with FCCA President Adam Ceserano, Arison reflects on the cruise sector’s evolution from its early days to the sophisticated, global, data-driven business it is today.
Drawing on decades of leadership guiding one of the world’s largest cruise companies, Arison shares insights on leadership philosophy, industry collaboration and the partnerships that have helped shape the cruise industry’s growth. The discussion offers valuable perspective for tourism stakeholders and cruise partners across the Caribbean and beyond.
“Guten Tag, Caribbean!” Nicolas Scott bridges cultures and tourism at ITB Berlin
The power of language and cultural connection was on display at this month’s ITB Berlin as Nicolas Scott, Technical Assistant — Resource Mobilization and Development at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), engaged with tourism stakeholders and enthusiasts from around the world.
Representing CTO at one of the global travel industry’s leading trade shows, Scott connected with visitors and partners at the CTO stand, sharing the region’s story in both English and German. His ability to communicate across cultures highlighted the importance of linguistic bridges in promoting the Caribbean and strengthening relationships in key international markets while also contributing to his personal and professional growth in support of the organization’s #OneCaribbean mission.
In case you missed it …
| For Caribbean Tourism Authority (CTA) highlights this week, click below: Caribbean Tourism Leaders Urge Practical Climate Action at ITB Berlin CTO Appoints Norris Clement as Deputy Director of Professional Services Spice Island Beach Resort President Janelle Hopkin Honored with PATWA Gold Award at ITB Berlin 2026 Finding Zen in Belize: A Caye Caulker Escape |
Muryad de Bruin stresses tourism as a force for good at CMEx Awards
Click for VIDEO
At the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards in Miami last December, Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board, was among the regional tourism leaders honored for advancing the Caribbean tourism sector. The recognition highlighted his work in promoting Curaçao as a culturally rich, people-centered destination committed to sustainable tourism development.
In reflecting on the honor, de Bruin emphasized that the award belongs to the many individuals across the island whose efforts help the destination thrive. He underscored tourism’s role as a bridge connecting cultures, fostering understanding and strengthening economic resilience while stressing the importance of balancing growth with the long-term well-being of Curaçao’s people and environment.
Quotable Caribbean
“I suggest that the OECS and CARICOM should engage diplomatically on an urgent basis with the UK and with Brussels. We need a full court press. But even whilst we engage, we should be expediting full freedom of movement within CARICOM using the OECS model to allow our people greater options (to) travel and work within our own region. We should revisit the urgent need for more efficient transportation of goods and people within the Caribbean. In short, our solution lies not in begging anyone to enter their shores but to make Caribbean shores more attractive to Caribbean people.” — Mark Brantley, Premier, Nevis
Medical Moment
World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 to raise awareness about Down syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs when an individual has an extra partial or full copy of chromosome 21. The condition is usually associated with learning disabilities, certain physical characteristics and an increased risk of some health conditions.
Globally, Down syndrome occurs in about one in every 1,000 to 1,100 live births. An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with the condition each year. Access to adequate health care, inclusive education and early intervention programs is important to support the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome.
This year’s theme, “Together Against Loneliness,” highlights the impact of loneliness on people with Down syndrome and their families. Loneliness can contribute to anxiety and depression and is often linked to social exclusion and stigma.
To raise awareness on March 21, people are encouraged to wear brightly colored or mismatched socks at home, school, work or while traveling. The initiative celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion for people with Down syndrome.
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