THE BAHAMAS TO CHAMPION SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CARIBBEAN TOURISM AT SOTIC 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BAHAMAS TO CHAMPION SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CARIBBEAN TOURISM AT SOTIC 2026
Senior tourism officials will contribute to regional discussions shaping tourism policy, competitiveness and sustainable growth.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (6 October 2026) – Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, the Honourable Randy Rolle, will lead a national delegation to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 in Guyana. The Bahamas will contribute to the organization’s leadership, policy, industry and youth forums.
Mr. Rolle will be joined by Director General Jackson Weech, Deputy Director General Valery Brown Alce, Executive Director of Communications, Digital Innovations and Research & Statistics Andre Miller, Director of International Relations Sandiria Hall, and Junior Minister of Tourism Raia Cargill.
The delegation will participate in the CTO Board of Directors meeting, the Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners, the Annual General Meeting and the Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Director General Weech will serve as the designated representative of The Bahamas on the CTO Board and will present reports from the Audit and Finance Committee and the Cruise, Ferry and Yachting Committee, both chaired by The Bahamas. Junior Minister Cargill will represent the country at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress.
The Bahamas has a long history of engagement with SOTIC and hosted the conference in Nassau in 2018. That event brought together more than 300 tourism leaders and industry stakeholders from across the Caribbean to examine key issues affecting the regional tourism sector, including entrepreneurship, innovation, diversification and the economic benefits of tourism.
Under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” SOTIC 2026 will bring together Caribbean tourism ministers, government officials, private sector leaders, researchers and young tourism professionals. Discussions will address connectivity, technology, climate resilience, workforce development and inclusive growth.
“SOTIC is an important platform for The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean to align priorities and advance practical solutions for a more competitive, resilient and inclusive tourism sector,” said Mr. Rolle. “By sharing expertise on connectivity, technology, climate resilience, investment and workforce development, our destinations can respond more effectively to global change and strengthen the Caribbean’s collective voice.
“The Bahamas is committed to regional cooperation that delivers measurable value for our people and our economies. We must also ensure that young tourism leaders help shape the sector’s future, and I am pleased that our Junior Minister will bring a new generation of Bahamian leadership to the Regional Tourism Youth Congress.”
A new feature of this year’s programme is the Caribbean Tourism Research Forum, which will bring together researchers, tourism practitioners, destination representatives and development partners to examine practical responses to challenges facing the regional tourism industry. Additional sessions will focus on emerging technology, climate resilience, regenerative tourism, connectivity and inclusive growth.
“In an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape, the Caribbean must continue to distinguish itself not only through the strength of our destinations, but through innovation, sustainability and resilience,” said Director General Weech. “SOTIC provides an important platform to strengthen regional collaboration, expand international connectivity, attract investment and advance the competitiveness of our tourism economies.”
Participation in SOTIC 2026 builds on the broader engagement of The Bahamas with the CTO and its work in regional tourism policy, research, connectivity, sustainability, workforce development and industry cooperation. The delegation will contribute Bahamian expertise to the discussions and bring home insights that support the country’s tourism priorities.
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 or on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or TikTok
Media Contact(s):
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