Caribbean leaders stress resilience as CTO champions sustainable transformation in tourism
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) champions sustainable transformation this World Tourism Day 2025, aligning its message with the Reimagine Plan 2025–2027.
Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper said the theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” reflects the CTO’s mission to position the Caribbean tourism industry as a global leader in sustainable tourism by addressing climate change, shifting travel trends, and wider global challenges.
CTO connects sustainability to its Reimagine Plan 2025–2027
Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized that sustainable transformation is at the heart of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s three-year strategic plan. She said tourism remains not only a vital economic driver but also a tool for strengthening livelihoods and uplifting societies across the region.
“As we reflect on this year’s theme, I am inspired by tourism’s enduring power to transform economies, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunities,” she said. “But with that power comes responsibility. We must embrace climate action, social equity, and long-term resilience as core pillars of Caribbean tourism.”
SOTIC highlights climate action plan and resilience
Her remarks come ahead of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), scheduled for Sept. 30–Oct. 3 at Hilton Barbados Resort. A pre-conference session on Monday will commemorate World Tourism Day 2025, bringing together regional leaders, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders.
The session will focus on embedding sustainable tourism into policy, business operations, and community practices. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission will present its climate action plan, underscoring the urgency of tourism resilience in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
Caribbean tourism industry balances celebration with urgent challenges
While celebrating the Caribbean’s cultural vibrancy and natural beauty from Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival to the pristine coastlines of The Bahamas, Regis-Prosper said the Caribbean tourism industry must also confront pressing realities.
She pointed to climate change, frequent natural disasters, and global uncertainties as challenges requiring bold, collaborative responses. “These challenges demand that we reimagine tourism not just as an industry, but as a force for environmental stewardship and inclusive growth,” she said.
Youth empowerment in tourism central to strategy
The Secretary-General also highlighted the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, which showcases how sustainable tourism can transform lives through education, cultural exchange, and career opportunities.
“Through strategic partnerships, we are empowering communities, investing in sustainable practices, and equipping our youth with the tools to lead tomorrow’s industry,” she said.
Visitors and stakeholders urged to act as partners
Regis-Prosper called on visitors to see themselves as partners in sustainable transformation by respecting Caribbean ecosystems and helping preserve its natural beauty.
“To our visitors: come not only as tourists, but as partners in transformation. To our stakeholders: let us innovate boldly, embrace sustainable solutions, and create policies that ensure every voice is heard,” she said.
She added that CTO’s commitment is to ensure tourism becomes a catalyst for meaningful change — protecting the environment, uplifting Caribbean people, and leaving a legacy of sustainability and resilience for future generations.
Stay with Unitedpac St Lucia News for continuing coverage of Caribbean tourism, sustainable transformation initiatives, and the outcomes of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference.
