The Tribune

PARLIAMENTARY Secretary of Tourism Randy Rolle will lead a Bahamian delegation to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Guyana, where regional tourism leaders will examine challenges ranging from climate resilience and international connectivity to technological innovation.

The conference, known as SOTIC 2026, will bring together tourism ministers, government officials, private sector representatives, researchers and young professionals under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive”.

Mr Rolle will be accompanied by Director General of Tourism Jackson Weech, Deputy Director General Valery Brown Alce, Executive Director of Communications, Digital Innovations and Research and Statistics Andre Miller, Director of International Relations Sandiria Hall and Junior Minister of Tourism Raia Cargill.

The delegation will participate in meetings of the CTO Board of Directors, the Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners, the organisation’s Annual General Meeting and the Regional Tourism Youth Congress.

Mr Weech will represent The Bahamas on the CTO Board and present reports from the Audit and Finance Committee and the Cruise, Ferry and Yachting Committee, both chaired by The Bahamas.

Ms Cargill will represent the country at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress.

Mr Rolle said the conference provides an opportunity for Caribbean countries to coordinate their response to challenges affecting the industry and strengthen their competitiveness.

“SOTIC is an important platform for The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean to align priorities and advance practical solutions for a more competitive, resilient and inclusive tourism sector,” he said.

“By sharing expertise on connectivity, technology, climate resilience, investment and workforce development, our destinations can respond more effectively to global change and strengthen the Caribbean’s collective voice.”

Mr Rolle also emphasised the importance of involving young people in decisions about the industry's future, saying The Bahamas remains committed to regional cooperation that produces measurable economic benefits.

A new feature of this year's conference will be the Caribbean Tourism Research Forum, bringing together researchers, tourism practitioners, destination representatives and development partners to explore practical solutions to regional tourism challenges.

Other discussions will examine emerging technology, regenerative tourism, climate resilience, workforce development and inclusive economic growth.

Mr Weech said Caribbean destinations must increasingly rely on innovation and sustainability to maintain their position in the global tourism market.

“In an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape, the Caribbean must continue to distinguish itself not only through the strength of our destinations, but through innovation, sustainability and resilience,” he said.

The Bahamas has participated in the conference for years and hosted the event in New Providence in 2018, attracting more than 300 tourism leaders and industry stakeholders from across the region.

That conference examined entrepreneurship, innovation, economic diversification and the wider benefits of tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism said participation in this year's conference will allow the Bahamian delegation to contribute to regional policy discussions while gaining insights to support the country's tourism priorities.