Belize will host the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference
The meeting will bring together authorities, specialists and companies to discuss integrated models of development, climate resilience and economic growth in the region
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, will host the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development 2026 (STC 2026) from April 27-30 in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Now in its 17th edition, the conference will bring together regional and international tourism leaders under the theme “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating the Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies into Sustainable Planning and Development.”
The Secretary General and CEO of the CTO, Dona Regis-Prosper, emphasized that the event aims to redefine tourism as an engine for inclusive growth, climate resilience, and cultural dynamism. Belize's Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, noted that the conference positions the country as a hub for innovation and regional cooperation, while also fostering strategic alliances between public and private stakeholders.
The program will focus on the concept of “Tourism in Full Color,” which promotes integrated planning models that go beyond sectoral approaches. Among the key areas addressed are the blue economy, geared towards the responsible use of marine and coastal resources; the green economy, focused on low-carbon and climate-resilient solutions; the orange economy, linked to the economic value of culture and creative industries; and the purple economy, related to identity, social cohesion, and community well-being.
Over four days, ministerial roundtables, plenary sessions, technical workshops, master classes, and practical experiences will be offered to facilitate knowledge exchange. Topics will include environmental finance, climate risk management, regenerative tourism, cultural heritage, and governance of new tourism models, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of member destinations.
The event will also offer sponsorship and networking opportunities with an estimated audience of over 300 participants, including policymakers, development agencies, businesses, specialized media, and community organizations. The conference aims to foster intersectoral cooperation to promote tourism that generates economic, social, and environmental benefits in the Caribbean.