Guyana to Host CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference for 1st Time
by Bruce Parkinson
Guyana will host this year’s CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has selected Guyana to host its flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in October 2026 — marking the first time the country will stage the conference.
With Cuba and Venezuela in crisis, it’s a tumultuous time in the Caribbean tourism industry, so there will be plenty to discuss.
Scheduled for Georgetown, October 5–9, the regional gathering will bring together hundreds of Caribbean tourism leaders, international delegates, policymakers, youth representatives, journalists and industry stakeholders. SOTIC serves as CTO’s principal forum for examining critical issues, sharing innovation and shaping the future direction of Caribbean tourism.
Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, 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.
Barbados hosted the 2025 SOTIC conference, held under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.”
CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper has emphasized the organization’s focus on community-centred tourism experiences under its 2026 theme, “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” citing Guyana as a destination that exemplifies these priorities. She noted 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.
Details on registration, programming and venue will be announced through official CTO and Guyana Tourism Authority channels as planning advances.
