The State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the flagship event of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), is making its anticipated return on Wednesday at The Shore Club in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, following a five-year hiatus.
Unifying voices for growth
SOTIC, under its engaging theme, “Invest. Innovate. Inspire – A New Model for Caribbean Tourism Growth”, serves as a pivotal gathering spot for both government officials and private sector tourism leaders from CTO’s member countries.
This forum is designed to foster collaborative discussions on the current status and future of investment and financing in the vibrant Caribbean tourism sector.
First-time leadership
At the helm of the conference for the initial time is Dona Regis-Prosper, the Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO.
Regis-Prosper extended an invitation to delegates, encouraging them to offer insights and strategies aimed at rejuvenating the Caribbean tourism industry and laying down robust foundations for successful public-private partnerships during the two-day event.
Insightful agenda
The conference, which is scheduled after two days of insightful destination briefings and crucial business meetings, will host presentations and panels focusing on “Tourism Investment and Financing in the Caribbean” on October 11.
Meanwhile, October 12 is dedicated to exploring “Drivers for Caribbean Tourism Growth”.
Global media attendance
Media representatives from various regions including the Caribbean, Latin America, United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have been welcomed to the event.
They were given a thorough overview of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism strategies, cultural heritage, and sustainable development plans by Josephine Connolly, the Minister of Tourism for the islands.
Media participants also received valuable updates from tourism representatives of numerous CTO member countries present, shedding light on the diverse and captivating tourist destinations spread across the Caribbean.
A glimpse into the future
Presentations at SOTIC will touch on various critical subjects, from sustainable financing and investment trends to strategies for tapping into new investment opportunities and digital transformation in the sector. The discussions will also delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with engaging the film industry to promote Caribbean tourism and other relevant themes.
Message from UNWTO
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will be contributing to the conference through a prerecorded video message. Moreover, a keynote address is scheduled to be delivered by Franz Rojas-Ortuste, who is affiliated with the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Diverse participation
SOTIC has drawn a diverse group of participants, ranging from ministers and commissioners to CEOs of tourism authorities and destination marketing organizations.
The conference also welcomes academics, property developers, and representatives from investment entities, funding institutions, airlines, and cruise lines, providing a comprehensive perspective on the region’s tourism development challenges and opportunities.
Youth engagement
On October 13, the CTO’s Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress will take place, featuring presentations from students aged 14 to 17 from various CTO member countries.
The event will culminate in the appointment of the Regional Junior Minister of Tourism for 2023-2024, a role that includes serving as a youth ambassador for both their home destination and the wider Caribbean region.
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