THE BAHAMAS ADVANCES REGIONAL TOURISM PRIORITIES AT SOTIC 2026 IN GUYANA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BAHAMAS ADVANCES REGIONAL TOURISM PRIORITIES AT SOTIC 2026 IN GUYANA
Parliamentary Secretary Randy Rolle leads national delegation in regional discussions on innovation, sustainability, connectivity and youth leadership
NASSAU, The Bahamas (8th October 2026) – The Bahamas reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Caribbean tourism through regional collaboration, innovation and sustainable development during its participation in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, recently held in Georgetown, Guyana.
Led by Parliamentary Secretary in the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Honourable Randy Rolle, Director General of Tourism Jackson Weech, Deputy Director General Valery Brown-Alce, Executive Director of Global Communications, Research and Statistics Andre Miller, Director of International Relations Sandiria Hall, and Junior Minister of Tourism Raia Cargill, the Bahamian delegation played an active role in advancing regional tourism dialogue while promoting The Bahamas' priorities on the Caribbean stage.
A key outcome of the conference was The Bahamas' election as a Vice Chair of the CTO Board of Directors for the next two years, securing one of only two seats designated for CARICOM member countries. The election took place during the CTO Annual General Meeting and positions The Bahamas in an important leadership role within the region's premier tourism body. The Board is responsible for providing governance and oversight of the Organization's operations and guiding the implementation of strategic priorities that support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the Caribbean tourism sector.
In this capacity, The Bahamas will be represented at the ministerial level by Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Glenys Hanna Martin, while Director General Jackson Weech will serve as the country's technical representative, further strengthening The Bahamas' contribution to regional tourism cooperation and policy development.
"SOTIC 2026 provided an invaluable platform for The Bahamas to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of our industry and to identify practical solutions that will enhance our global competitiveness," said Mr. Rolle. "The discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and resilience in sustaining tourism-driven economies. The Bahamas remains committed to working alongside our regional partners to advance policies and initiatives that create opportunities for our people while strengthening the Caribbean tourism brand."
During the conference, The Bahamas participated in a series of high-level meetings with tourism leaders, policymakers, private sector representatives, researchers and emerging tourism professionals from across the region under the conference theme, "Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive." These engagements included the CTO Board of Directors Meeting, the Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners, the Annual General Meeting and the Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Discussions focused on key issues shaping the future of Caribbean tourism, including regional connectivity, digital transformation, climate resilience, workforce development, investment, research and inclusive economic growth.
The Bahamas delegation also supported Ms. Cargill's participation in the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, where she and other young tourism ambassadors from across the Caribbean shared ideas and recommendations on the future of the industry they will one day inherit.
As The Bahamas' designated representative on the CTO Board of Directors, Mr. Weech presented reports from both the Audit and Finance Committee and the Cruise, Ferry and Yachting Committee, which are chaired by The Bahamas. The presentations highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, expand regional transportation linkages and support sustainable tourism development across the Caribbean.
A key addition to this year's conference programme was the Caribbean Tourism Research Forum, which brought together researchers, destination managers, tourism practitioners and development partners to explore evidence-based approaches to challenges facing the regional tourism sector. Sessions examined topics such as regenerative tourism, emerging technologies, climate adaptation strategies and sustainable destination management.
Director General Weech noted that the conference highlighted the importance of a united regional approach to tourism development.
"The Caribbean tourism industry continues to evolve in response to shifting traveller expectations, technological advancements and global economic trends," said Mr. Weech. "The insights shared at SOTIC 2026 will help inform strategies that strengthen destination competitiveness, enhance visitor experiences and support sustainable growth throughout the region. The Bahamas is proud to contribute its expertise while benefiting from the collective knowledge and best practices emerging from these discussions."
The Bahamas' participation at SOTIC 2026 builds on its longstanding partnership with the CTO and its active leadership in regional tourism policy, governance, research, sustainability and industry development initiatives. The country's election to the Vice Chairmanship of the CTO Board further underscores its growing influence in shaping the regional tourism agenda and advancing collaborative solutions that benefit Caribbean destinations and communities alike.
The Bahamas delegation returns with valuable insights, strengthened partnerships and an enhanced leadership mandate that will support the country's strategic tourism priorities while contributing to the continued advancement of Caribbean tourism.
For more information about SOTIC 2026, visit onecaribbean.org.
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About The Bahamas:
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
Media Contact:
Rissie Demeritte
Director, Global Communications
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
rdemeritte@bahamas.com
Joshua Robins
Manager, Domestic Communications
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
jrobins@bahamas.com