Caribbean tourism stakeholders to meet in Cayman Islands

Chairman of the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Kenneth Bryan, says the annual CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2024 will be held in the Cayman Islands in September.

He said that the September 2-6 event, which is being held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism – Fuelling our Lifeblood,” will bring together regional and global leaders, thought leaders, decision-makers, stakeholders, and influencers to address critical issues shaping the Caribbean tourism sector.

The organisers said that SOTIC 2024 will begin with the CTO’s business proceedings September 2-3, including sessions for the Board of Directors and the Ministerial Council.

They said that this year’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress will take place on September 5 and that it will engage “Junior Ministers of Tourism” ages 14-17 from CTO member countries and territories.

“We are particularly delighted to host this prestigious event in the Cayman Islands this September,” said Bryan, who is also the  Minister of Tourism and Ports in this Overseas British Territory.

“It is an honour to bring together the best and brightest minds in our industry to address critical challenges, explore innovative solutions, and chart a course for the future of Caribbean tourism. We also look forward to showcasing our Cayman kind culture and special brand of hospitality to delegates from the region and across the world,” he added.

The organisers said that SOTIC 2024 promises to deliver a rich and diverse program featuring presentations from leading technology, aviation, cruise, and sustainability executives. These industry leaders will share their insights on the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

The CTO said that a forward-looking presentation will explore the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution in Caribbean travel, examining how AI reshapes customer experiences, operational efficiencies, and destination management.

“Tourism is the region’s primary economic driver, and SOTIC provides an essential platform for strategic discussions on fostering competitiveness and sustainable growth,” said CTO’s Secretary General, Dona Regis-Prosper.

“The Caribbean’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in recent years, and now is the time to build on that momentum,” she added.