MPE CARIBBEAN REPORT NEWSLETTER – March 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
From Berlin to Brazil, Caribbean tourism builds global momentum
CTO team members and delegates in Berlin and Brazil
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and its member destinations built on the momentum from last month’s Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda. They delivered a strong unified presence at two major global events: Routes Americas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and ITB Berlin in Germany, held simultaneously from March 3-5, 2026. The dual engagement reflected a coordinated Caribbean strategy with teams advancing air connectivity, strengthening high-value partnerships and championing sustainable tourism across key markets in the Americas and Europe.
At Routes Americas 2026, CTO representatives Director of Research Aliyyah Shakeer, Business Development and Marketing Manager Taraneh Azimi, and Executive Assistant and Office Manager Marvelle Sealy anchored the organization’s stand, hosted bilateral meetings, and coordinated a dedicated panel featuring regional leaders titled “Spotlight on the Caribbean: Aviation Connectivity.” The discussions — echoing Bermuda’s focus on sustainable route development and regional collaboration — highlighted airlift’s critical role in tourism recovery and expansion. Caribbean destinations reinforced these efforts through targeted engagements with airline partners, underscoring collaborative progress toward improved regional connectivity.
Meanwhile, at ITB Berlin — celebrating its 60th anniversary under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance” — CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism Narendra Ramgulam and other team members maintained a strong presence, engaging global partners and participating in panel discussions on climate resilience. They shared Caribbean perspectives on adaptive tourism models amid industry-wide challenges.
Also attending the Berlin meeting were Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business Development Director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Chapter UK and Europe, and Nicolas Scott, Technical Assistant for Resource Mobilization and Development and a German-speaking member of the CTO delegation.
With new partnerships emerging and sustainable tourism initiatives gaining traction, the region now looks ahead to the upcoming Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize, April 27-30.
Carnival marks 20 years of Grand Turk Cruise Center partnership
Turks and Caicos and Carnival officials in Grand Turk last week
Carnival Corporation celebrated the 20th anniversary of Grand Turk Cruise Center last week, marking two decades of partnership, shared growth, and memorable vacation experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Since its inaugural visit in 2006, Carnival Corporation’s family of cruise lines have brought more than 14 million guests to the popular Caribbean port.
“To Carnival, thank you for two decades of partnership and investment, and for working with us not only in the celebrating years, but in the planning years when wise decisions secure long-term success,” said Premier Charles Misick. “And to the people of Grand Turk, thank you for your hospitality, your resilience and your pride. This anniversary belongs to you as well, because you have lived the transformation, you have contributed to the success, and you will help shape what comes next.”
Over the past 20 years, the Grand Turk Cruise Center has supported local businesses, transportation providers, tour operators, retailers and hospitality partners while welcoming millions of visitors to experience the island’s culture and natural beauty.
“Grand Turk holds a special place in our history and in our future,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our guests love visiting this beautiful destination and we’re grateful for this partnership which has brought so many benefits to this community for the last 20 years.”
Cruise initiative showcases Caribbean artistic talent
Caribbean artists are gaining new international exposure through the Artist Discovery Program, an initiative launched in 2023 by Royal Caribbean Group to connect emerging creatives with a global audience of cruise guests. The program invites artists from destinations across the region to contribute large-scale works that celebrate Caribbean culture, transforming cruise ships into floating galleries that showcase authentic storytelling and artistic talent.
The initiative is expanding this summer to the new Legend of the Seas where selected artists from the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America will have their designs featured as large-scale murals throughout the ship. Programs like this — supported by partners including Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) — help create new economic opportunities for artists while strengthening cultural connections between visitors and the destinations they explore.
Although applications for the current round closed March 8, the growing interest in the program reflects increasing enthusiasm among Caribbean creatives. Artists who missed this opportunity are encouraged to stay tuned for future calls as cruise partners continue to expand initiatives that spotlight the region’s vibrant creative community.
In case you missed it …
The Caribbean Tourism Authority (CTA) highlights the region’s diversity, innovation and continued momentum — from leadership in tourism to industry developments shaping marketing, health care and cruise tourism.
Below are the latest stories featured across CTA website and social media channels.
Click headlines below for more.
Luce Hodge-Smith: Leading with passion for Caribbean tourism
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| At the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards & Fundraiser in Miami last December, Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture in the British Virgin Islands, was among the regional leaders recognized for their contributions to tourism development. The honor highlighted her role in advancing the Virgin Islands’ tourism and cultural initiatives while strengthening partnerships across the Caribbean. Hodge-Smith credited the progress of the territory’s tourism sector to the collaborative efforts of the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development team, and regional partners including the Caribbean Tourism Organization. She also acknowledged the support of her family and colleagues, noting that the recognition reflects the collective commitment of many working to strengthen tourism in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean. |
Quotable Caribbean
“Visibility matters. Representation matters. And when we celebrate the contributions of women, we help open doors for the next generation of leaders.” — Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization
Medical Moment
World Salt Awareness Week, March 11-17, spotlights the dangers of excessive salt intake and encourages healthier choices. Excess consumption is linked to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, stomach cancer and kidney disease.
Sodium is essential for normal body function. However, most people consume more than they need. In addition to table salt, sodium is found in processed meats, breads, snack foods, condiments and sodium glutamate.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily. This is just under one teaspoon of salt. Lower amounts are recommended for children.
Reducing intake is possible with simple steps. Eat fresh foods, limit processed products, use herbs and spices instead of salt and choose low-sodium options.
World Salt Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder that small changes in daily habits can significantly reduce salt intake and improve long-term health outcomes.
 | Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company. |
