The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will mark World Tourism Day 2025 with a special pre-conference event on Monday, September 29, 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
The gathering will be held at the Hilton Barbados as part of the opening activities for the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025. The event will highlight the Caribbean’s leadership in sustainable tourism and climate action, while offering practical strategies for destinations, enterprises, communities and professionals across the sector. It also serves as the third instalment of CTO’s Sustainable Tourism in Action series.
The program will open with remarks from CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, who will frame the significance of World Tourism Day 2025 (to be officially held on Saturday, September 27) and its alignment with CTO’s sustainability agenda. A 90-minute panel discussion, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: From Vision to Action,” will feature regional leaders, including Maria Fowell, Senior Technical Specialist for Tourism, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission; Loreto Duffy-Mayers, Sustainable Tourism Expert; and Kim Butcher, Social Entrepreneur and Program Director, CARIFESTA XV.
Moderated by Narendra Ramgulam (pic), CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, the panel will explore the urgency of transformation, practical innovations, and partnerships for scaling sustainability. The session will conclude with key takeaways and a lightning round of immediate actions for stakeholders.
A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the OECS Climate Action Plan, introduced by the OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, through recorded remarks, followed by a formal handover of the plan by the Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism to the CTO. The symbolic exchange underscores the central role of climate action in guiding sustainable tourism across the Caribbean.
Acceptance remarks will be delivered by Regis-Prosper, reinforcing the region’s commitment to aligning tourism with global sustainability and climate goals. “This special event is both a celebration of World Tourism Day and a call to action,” said Regis-Prosper.
“It will provide a platform for collaboration, showcase regional leadership, and ensure our stakeholders leave with practical solutions to advance sustainable transformation.” The event is expected to draw policymakers, private sector leaders, community representatives, students, members of the media, and professionals from tourism and related industries.
Outcomes are set to include enhanced regional dialogue, actionable insights, and greater visibility for Caribbean-led innovation in sustainable tourism.