Royal Caribbean’s inspiring “Iconic” Summit focuses on transforming Caribbean cruise tourism.
MIAMI, FL – December 24, 2024 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Royal Caribbean International joined forces this month for an “iconic” summit that highlighted the region’s vital role in transforming Caribbean cruise tourism and explored pathways for sustainable growth, economic opportunities, and community engagement.
Held aboard Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking vessel, Icon of the Seas, the summit, titled Envisioning Caribbean Tourism: An Iconic Summit, brought together tourism ministers, directors, and stakeholders. A central discussion was led by Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley and moderated by Bevan Springer, President of Marketplace Excellence, the CTO’s public relations agency.
Cruise Tourism: A Pillar of Caribbean Economies
Bayley underscored the deep connection between Royal Caribbean and the Caribbean, where 60% of the company’s business is concentrated. He explained how the cruise line reflects the region’s vibrant culture, from the colors and designs of its ships to its customer experience.
“The Caribbean is the soul of Royal Caribbean,” Bayley said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering economic opportunities for local communities. He detailed efforts to enhance employment, improve local sourcing, and build stronger supply chain systems.
However, Bayley noted challenges in fully integrating Caribbean-sourced products, citing the need for better supply chain coordination. “It does require a lot of cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture to work with the cruise lines … It takes time, commitment, and focus, but we’re very open to that,” he stated.
Bayley also encouraged regional governments to consider models like the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to streamline Caribbean participation in the global cruise workforce. He shared a success story of a Bahamian second officer who piloted Icon of the Seas into Nassau, underscoring the region’s talent potential.
Sustainability and Innovation Take Center Stage
Sustainability was a key theme of the summit. Bayley highlighted Royal Caribbean’s investment in eco-friendly initiatives, including biofuels, LNG, and waste reduction technologies. These innovations align with global trends and the company’s mission to minimize environmental impact while maintaining economic contributions to the region.
CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability and economic growth. “This iconic summit underscores the power of partnerships and collaboration as we reimagine our approach to tourism development and deepen our engagement with the cruise industry,” she said.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, praised Royal Caribbean’s dedication to the Caribbean. “It is a wonderful story … it says something about your leadership, it says something about your company,” he said, highlighting the cruise line’s contributions to regional economies and communities.
Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class ship, Star of the Sea, will debut soon, with the Caribbean remaining central to the company’s plans. Both Royal Caribbean and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) reaffirmed their commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable growth in cruise tourism, ensuring the Caribbean continues to thrive as a global destination.
As the Caribbean Tourism Organization reimagines the future of regional tourism, initiatives like this summit highlight the importance of building lasting partnerships that benefit stakeholders and communities alike.
Follow Unitedpac St. Lucia News for more updates on tourism and economic developments in the region.
