CTO and Conservation International join forces to promote nature-positive tourism in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has signed a historic two-year agreement with global non-profit Conservation International (CI) to promote nature-positive tourism throughout the Caribbean
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on June 11, 2025, at the CTO headquarters in Barbados, establishes a framework for joint efforts to promote sustainable tourism models that protect biodiversity, strengthen local economies, and enhance community well-being.
The partnership aligns with the CTO's Reimagine 2025-2027 Plan, which promotes bold, resilient, and inclusive strategies to shape the future of tourism in the region.
Collaborative actions under the MoU will focus on promoting sustainable and nature-friendly tourism through conservation-oriented investments, support for community-based initiatives that protect biodiversity and livelihoods, and technical cooperation in research, education, and outreach. Key priorities include developing the sector's capacity, fostering tourism investment in conservation, and promoting resilient, nature-based economic models throughout the region.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to build a regenerative, inclusive, and climate-smart tourism sector,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of the CTO. “By partnering with Conservation International, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the Caribbean’s rich natural heritage while simultaneously driving development in the communities that depend on it.”
“This partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization marks a major step forward for Conservation International, as we expand our network of partners in the Caribbean. Working together with the CTO, we can harness the potential of nature-positive tourism to protect the region's oceans and coasts, drive sustainable growth in the blue economy, and empower communities to thrive in the face of climate change,” said Kelvin Alie, Conservation International's Senior Vice President of Field Programs.
The agreement underscores the growing momentum of regenerative tourism and strengthens the Caribbean's position as a global leader in sustainable travel and environmental stewardship.
Source: CTO.