Belize to Host CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference in San Pedro

Belize will welcome an internationally recognized tourism leader when the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) hosts the Sustainable Tourism Conference next month.  The CTO has announced that Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism, will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, STC 2026. The conference will be held April 27 to 30 in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.  Dame Pania is known globally for promoting indigenous-led tourism and for advancing a model that puts culture, community well-being and environmental stewardship at the center of tourism growth.  CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper says her work strongly aligns with the conference theme, “Tourism in Full Color,” which encourages countries to balance economic growth with cultural and environmental protection.  Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler says Belize is honored to host the event, noting that the country’s Maya heritage, Garifuna culture and natural resources make it an ideal setting for discussions on sustainable tourism.  STC 2026, now in its 17th year, is expected to bring together regional and international tourism leaders for ministerial talks, technical sessions and field visits highlighting Belize’s sustainable tourism initiatives.