BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tuesday said it has selected Guyana to host its flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in October 2026, marking the first time the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will stage the conference since its inception.
The CTO said that the SOTIC serves as its principal forum for examining critical issues, sharing innovation and shaping the future direction of Caribbean tourism and that the October 5–9 will bring together various stakeholders including Caribbean tourism leaders, international delegates, policymakers, youth representatives, journalists and industry stakeholders.
CTO Secretary-General and chief executive officer, Dona Regis-Prosper, has emphasised the organization’s focus on community-centered tourism experiences under its 2026 theme, ”One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences”.
She said Guyana is a destination that exemplifies these priorities, noting the region’s resilience and shared commitment to building an inclusive, future-ready tourism sector — themes expected to feature prominently during the Guyana-hosted conference.
“This event positions Guyana to showcase its unique blend of ecotourism, adventure, cultural heritage and business facilities to a global audience, further elevating its profile within the Caribbean and beyond,” Regis-Prosper added.
Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, described the selection as a milestone reflecting growing regional confidence in Guyana’s tourism leadership and its expanding role in regional dialogue.
“This conference is CTO’s premier gathering for Caribbean tourism leaders and attracts hundreds of regional and international delegates, positioning Guyana as a major player in the development of MICE tourism — a specialized, high-value segment of business travel focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions,” Rodrigues said.
The CTO said that hosting SOTIC underscores Guyana’s rapid emergence as a dynamic tourism destination, supported by investments in infrastructure, sustainability and cultural offerings.
