The temples of Lamanai stand as a lasting legacy of Maya influence within the Belizean rainforest.
BELIZE--More than 40 regional and international experts will take part in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 17th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2026), set for April 27–30, with a focus on advancing regenerative and inclusive tourism development across the region.
Held under the theme “Tourism in Full Color,” the conference will examine how Caribbean destinations can move beyond fragmented approaches by embracing integrated development models. These include the Blue Economy, centered on responsible use of marine and coastal resources; the Green Economy, promoting climate resilience and low-carbon solutions; and the Orange Economy, which highlights culture, heritage and the creative industries. Broader frameworks such as the Purple Economy, emphasizing social cohesion and wellbeing, will also be explored.
Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism, will deliver the keynote address, “Tourism in Full Color – A New Development Paradigm,” drawing on Indigenous knowledge and inclusive approaches to tourism development.
Among other featured speakers are Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s ambassador and special envoy for climate change and environment, who will address climate risk management, and Paloma Zapata, Chief executive Officer (CEO) of Sustainable Travel International, who will examine tourism carrying capacity in a changing climate.
A ministerial panel on resilience will include Belize’s Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler; Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Orlando Habet; and Tobago’s Secretary of Tourism, Zorisha Hackett.
“The strength of STC 2026 lies in the diversity of voices and expertise coming together to shape the future of Caribbean tourism,” said Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, noting that the conference aims to foster collaboration and practical solutions for a more resilient and inclusive industry.
Sessions on inclusive development will feature Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene-Kamara, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Dr. Acolla Lewis-Cameron of The University of the West Indies, who will address green tourism pathways.
Additional speakers include Seleni Matus of The George Washington University, Dahlia Guard of the Saint Lucia Community Tourism Agency, Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and Frank Comito, former CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Discussions will be moderated by Caribbean journalist Julian Rogers and will include representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank, CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, The Travel Foundation, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission.
The program also features technical workshops and a full day of “Sustainability in Action” site visits. Delegates will visit locations such as the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and community-based tourism initiatives in Hopkins, as well as eco-tourism experiences at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and The Lodge at Chaa Creek.
STC 2026 is hosted by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board, with sponsorship from Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Additional local sponsors include Bowen & Bowen, Development Finance Corporation, DIGI Belize, the National Institute of Culture and History, Wine Smith Ltd., and BELTRAIDE.
More information and registration details are available at caribbeanstc.com.
