Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues has called for stronger regional cooperation among Caribbean nations to advance the region’s tourism industry.

She stressed that individual destinations cannot achieve this alone.

Minister Rodrigues said the region’s diversity should be a collective strength rather than a basis for competition.

She made the remarks while addressing tourism stakeholders from across the Caribbean and beyond, as the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 got underway at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Kingston, Georgetown.

“The future of Caribbean tourism is collaborative. Our countries and territories each bring something unique to the table. So, it gives us the opportunity to determine how we combine those strengths,” Minister Rodrigues stated.

She highlighted strong regional air connectivity, tourism knowledge and intelligence sharing, stronger linkages between destinations and joint marketing as some key areas for greater collaboration.  

The tourism minister called for a regional ecosystem that is built around unity, competition and a shared identity.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), she emphasised, must play an important role in advancing this collaborative approach, as Caribbean destinations work together to shape the future.

With the conference being held on local shores, Guyana has the opportunity to participate in the regional conversation, while sharing its experiences, learning from other destinations and building partnerships to advance Caribbean tourism.

Themed “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” the session brings together tourism ministers, industry leaders, regional and international partners and other stakeholders to examine the future direction of Caribbean tourism and identify opportunities for greater cooperation and development.