The conference will take place in Georgetown from October 5-9, focusing on innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth for Caribbean tourism. His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026.
The event, scheduled for Georgetown from October 5-9, will be held this year under the theme "Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive." President Ali's address comes at a delicate moment for the regional tourism sector, which is confronting new technologies, evolving traveler expectations, climate pressures and increasing competition. The conference aims to examine how the Caribbean can remain competitive while pursuing a tourism development model that delivers stronger economic, social and environmental returns. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, noted that President Ali's participation adds a valuable perspective to the conversation about the future of Caribbean tourism, bringing not only the viewpoint of a regional head of government but also that of a leader with a direct understanding of the links between sustainable tourism and national development.
The choice of Guyana as host is no coincidence: the country has placed sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation and community participation at the center of its tourism development strategy, as part of a broader path toward economic diversification. Guyana's Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to host the region's tourism community in Georgetown, calling it a chance to showcase the country's evolving visitor economy. President Ali, who was first sworn in as Guyana's ninth executive president in August 2020 and began a second term in September 2025, brings substantial experience in economic planning and national development. Before becoming head of state, he held ministerial responsibility for Housing and Water as well as Tourism, Industry and Commerce. He holds a doctorate in urban and regional planning from the University of the West Indies, along with additional qualifications in manpower planning, international business, finance and international commercial law. SOTIC is CTO's principal forum, bringing together tourism ministers, directors of tourism, private-sector executives, regional and international partners, academics, media and young professionals.
The 2026 edition will place particular emphasis on tourism data intelligence, technological innovation, climate resilience, regenerative tourism, destination competitiveness, inclusive growth and the sector's next generation of leaders. This marks the first time Guyana has hosted SOTIC.
Gabriele Bassi