Barbados will host the CTO´s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in 2025

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that Barbados will host the 2025 edition of its flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC).

The annual meeting, widely regarded as the premier forum for shaping the future of Caribbean tourism, will bring together government ministers, tourism executives, international partners, media, students, and stakeholders from across the region and beyond for high-level discussions on industry trends, research, policy, and investment.

The 2025 conference will be held under the theme "Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance, and the Way Forward," focusing on data-driven strategies and practical avenues to strengthen the region's global competitiveness and sustainability. The conference will include the annual Regional Young Tourists Congress, with the participation of Ministers of Tourism from the CTO member countries and territories.

New focus areas for this year's conference include in-depth discussions on sports tourism, medical tourism, and health and wellness—sectors with significant growth potential and aligned with global shifts in traveler preferences. These sessions will explore how destinations can diversify their offerings, attract new markets, and create more resilient and inclusive tourism economies.

“Barbados offers an ideal setting for this forward-thinking dialogue on Caribbean tourism,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of the CTO. “As we reimagine the future of our sector, we must base our strategies on solid research, ensure our actions are relevant to today's traveler, and work together on a clear roadmap for the future.”

The conference is organized in collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., with support from public and private sector stakeholders across the island.

“As the host destination and venue of the CTO, Barbados is proud to welcome tourism leaders from the region to this timely exchange,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. and Chair of the CTO Board of Directors. “This year’s conference theme reflects the essence of our mission: to drive informed, inclusive, and impactful tourism. We look forward to meaningful dialogue and concrete outcomes.”

SOTIC 2025 will feature inspiring keynotes, expert panels, data presentations, workshops, and networking sessions designed to chart a progressive course for Caribbean tourism. It will also provide updates on the CTO's "Reimagine 2025-2027" strategic plan, currently being implemented to drive regional transformation and collaboration.

Source: CTO.