Regional Leaders Push Sustainable Tourism at Ambergris Caye Conference

Day two of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 was experienced on Ambergris Caye, with regional leaders, innovators, and policymakers deepening discussions on how to shape a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry for the Caribbean.  Under the theme “Tourism in Full Color,” today’s sessions brought together high-level perspectives, including a ministerial forum titled “Building Caribbean Tourism in Full Colour: Ministerial Perspectives and Insights.”  Belize’s Minister of Tourism, Anthony Mahler, joined Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, in highlighting the country’s approach to balancing tourism growth with environmental protection, particularly Belize’s rich biodiversity, which remains central to its tourism product.

Meanwhile, regional collaboration remained a key focus, with Zorisha Hackett from Trinidad and Tobago noting that while the twin-island republic had stepped back from some regional engagements in recent years, it is now re-engaging with renewed energy. She emphasized a commitment to sustainable tourism development and expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with Caribbean partners.

Beyond the ministerial dialogue, day two also spotlighted the growing role of technology in tourism through a session on the “Yellow Economy.” Panelists explored how innovation, from artificial intelligence to data analytics and mobility platforms, can connect the region’s blue, green, orange, and cultural economies into a unified visitor experience. The consensus derived today was that technology is not a standalone solution, but a powerful tool to drive smarter planning, improve accessibility, and enhance resilience across destinations.  Another key discussion tackled the future of cruise tourism within the blue economy. Industry leaders and regional experts stressed that while cruise tourism continues to deliver economic benefits, its growth must be carefully managed. Emphasis was placed on stronger partnerships between governments, cruise lines, and local communities, as well as the need to move from research to real-world implementation of sustainable practices.