SAN PEDRO, Belize — STC 2026 is set to put Belize at the center of a major regional tourism conversation as more than 40 global and Caribbean experts prepare to gather for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 17th Sustainable Tourism Conference, a forum expected to influence how destinations respond to climate pressure, cultural preservation, and the push for more inclusive economic growth.
The April 27-30 conference, themed “Tourism in Full Color,” comes as Caribbean destinations face growing pressure to build tourism industries that generate stronger community benefits while protecting natural assets and cultural identity. For a region heavily dependent on visitor spending, the outcome of those discussions could affect jobs, investment strategies, and the long-term resilience of local economies.
Caribbean tourism strategy takes center stage at STC 2026
Organizers say STC 2026 will challenge destinations to move beyond narrow tourism planning and adopt a more integrated development model.
That framework includes the Blue Economy, centered on the responsible use of marine and coastal resources, and the Green Economy, which focuses on low-carbon, climate-resilient and nature-positive solutions. The conference will also examine the Orange Economy, tied to culture, heritage and creative industries, along with “beyond” economies such as the Purple Economy, which emphasizes identity, wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusive growth.
The wider message is that tourism can no longer be judged only by visitor numbers. Caribbean destinations are increasingly being pushed to show how the industry supports communities, protects ecosystems and creates value beyond hotel occupancy and cruise arrivals.
Global and regional voices bring high-level focus to resilience
A central feature of STC 2026 will be its speaker lineup, which includes policymakers, academics, tourism executives and development specialists from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM, chief executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, “Tourism in Full Color, A New Development Paradigm,” drawing on Indigenous knowledge and inclusive development frameworks. Her presentation is expected to explore a broader, more holistic approach to tourism planning. Earlier coverage highlighted Dame Pania’s keynote role as STC 2026 began drawing regional attention.
Other featured speakers include Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s ambassador and special envoy for climate change and environment, who will address climate risk management, and Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, who will examine carrying capacity in a climate-constrained world.
High-level officials will also take part in a ministerial dialogue on resilience, including 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 Secretary of Tourism Zorisha Hackett.
Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s deputy director of sustainable tourism, said the value of STC 2026 lies in the diversity of expertise being brought together to exchange ideas, build partnerships and develop practical solutions for a more resilient and inclusive tourism industry.
Caribbean participation underscores regional relevance
The conference also features voices tied directly to tourism development, policy and community engagement across the region.
Among them are Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene-Kamara, Sierra Leone’s deputy minister of tourism and cultural affairs, Dr. Acolla Lewis-Cameron of The University of the West Indies, Belizean tourism expert 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.
Moderated discussions will include veteran Caribbean journalist Julian Rogers and 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.
For St Lucia and other small island states, the conference agenda is especially relevant as governments and industry leaders try to grow tourism revenue while facing environmental vulnerability, infrastructure pressure and demands for more meaningful community participation in the sector.
Belize site visits will connect policy ideas to real-world models
Beyond plenary sessions and technical workshops, delegates will take part in a full day of Sustainability in Action site visits designed to show how tourism, conservation and community development can work together in practice.
The program includes curated immersive experiences at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Hopkins Experience, which includes Palmento Grove Eco-Cultural and Healing Lodge, Che’il Mayan Chocolate, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as The Chaa Creek Experience.
Those field visits are intended to give delegates firsthand exposure to community-based tourism, marine and terrestrial conservation, and cultural heritage initiatives that may offer lessons for other Caribbean destinations.
STC 2026 is being hosted by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board. Sponsors include Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. through Belize Island Holdings Ltd., alongside support from Bowen & Bowen, Development Finance Corporation, DIGI Belize, the National Institute of Culture and History, Wine Smith Ltd., and BELTRAIDE.
