Home » BARBADOS TRAVEL NEWS » Caribbean Tourism Leaders Set for SOTIC 2025 in Barbados to Drive Sustainable Growth and Innovation Published on
August 12, 2025 |By: Tuhin SarkarThe Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host its 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) from 30 September to 3 October at the Hilton Barbados Resort. The event will focus on strategies to boost airlift, expand sports, wellness, and cruise tourism, and strengthen the region’s position as a global travel leader. Under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead,” SOTIC 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss sustainable growth and the future of the Caribbean tourism sector.A Regional Platform for Tourism GrowthSOTIC 2025 will be held in partnership with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. The event will offer high-level panels, research presentations, and actionable insights. This year’s agenda focuses on the realities shaping Caribbean tourism and the opportunities that lie ahead. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on regional performance, global market trends, and collaborative strategies to keep the Caribbean competitive. The conference aims to inspire innovation while maintaining cultural authenticity and environmental stewardship.Advertisement Keynote Sessions to Shape the FutureA major highlight will be the CTO Research Department’s session, “Caribbean Tourism: Trends, Truths and Trajectories.” This discussion will provide data-driven insights into tourism performance, market dynamics, and forecasts for the region. These findings will help decision-makers align strategies with current and future demand. The goal is to give participants the tools they need to respond effectively to changing travel patterns. Such information will be critical for developing policies and investments that benefit both the tourism industry and local communities.Ministerial Exchange on Policy and ConnectivityThe “Ministerial Exchange on Caribbean Tourism” will gather policymakers and industry leaders to debate key issues. Topics include sustainable development, inter-island collaboration, and improving regional and international connectivity. Connectivity is central to unlocking growth in tourism. The session will address ways to strengthen airline partnerships, streamline travel processes, and improve infrastructure. The exchange will also explore strategies for creating a unified approach to marketing the Caribbean as a diverse but interconnected destination for global travellers.Spotlight on Growth SectorsSOTIC 2025 will examine high-potential tourism segments including medical and wellness tourism, sports tourism, and the cruise and stay-over markets. These sectors offer opportunities to diversify the region’s tourism portfolio. Sessions will cover how to create competitive products that appeal to niche markets, extend visitor stays, …
