by Brian Major
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Wed February 11, 2026
Guyana will host the October 2026
edition of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference
(SOTIC), marking the first time the country will stage the conference since its
inception.
Scheduled to be held in Georgetown, October 5–9, 2026, the prestigious regional forum will convene hundreds of
Caribbean tourism leaders, international delegates, policymakers, youth
representatives, journalists and industry stakeholders to examine critical
issues, share innovations and shape the future direction of Caribbean tourism.
Guyana’s selection is a milestone
for the country, reflecting growing regional confidence in Guyana’s tourism
leadership and its expanding role in regional dialogue, said Susan Rodrigues,
minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
“This conference is CTO’s premier
gathering for Caribbean tourism leaders and attracts hundreds of regional and
international delegates, positioning Guyana as a major player in the
development of MICE tourism — a specialized, high-value segment of business
travel focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions,” Rodrigues
said.
Hosting SOTIC also underscores
Guyana’s emergence as a dynamic tourism destination, supported by investments
in infrastructure, sustainability initiatives and cultural offerings. The
decision follows the 2025 edition of the conference, held in Barbados under the
theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.”
CTO Secretary-General and CEO
Dona Regis-Prosper has emphasized the organization’s focus on
community-centered tourism experiences under its 2026 theme, “One Caribbean:
Infinite Experiences,” describing Guyana as a destination that exemplifies
these priorities.
She noted the nation’s resilience
and shared commitment to building an inclusive, future-ready tourism sector —
themes expected to be featured prominently in the conference.
“This event positions Guyana to
showcase its unique blend of ecotourism, adventure, cultural heritage and
business facilities to a global audience, further elevating its profile within
the Caribbean and beyond,” said Regis-Prosper.
Details on registration,
programming and venue will be announced through official CTO and Guyana Tourism
Authority channels as planning advances.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
