Saint-Martin Tourist Office Director Aïda Weinum will join Caribbean tourism leaders at SOTIC 2026 to discuss innovation, sustainability and the future of destination development.

Saint-Martin will bring its tourism experience and vision to SOTIC 2026 – the State of the Tourism Industry Conference, taking place from October 5 to 9 in Georgetown, Guyana, under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive.”

Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the conference will bring together tourism officials, destination representatives and industry stakeholders from across the Caribbean to address some of the key issues shaping the region's tourism future, including innovation, sustainability, connectivity, resilience and inclusive development.

Representing Saint-Martin, Aïda Weinum, Director of the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, will contribute her perspective on the evolution of Caribbean destinations and the importance of embracing innovation while preserving local identity and authenticity.

Weinum's professional career has been closely linked to Saint-Martin's tourism development. From beginning her professional experience with the Saint-Martin Tourist Office to eventually leading the destination's tourism organization, she has worked across communications, market development and international promotion, including experience in New York and Latin America.

In her current role, Weinum has been involved in strengthening the destination's digital transformation, stakeholder engagement and international visibility.

Her participation at SOTIC comes at a time when Caribbean destinations are facing a rapidly changing tourism environment, with travelers increasingly seeking authentic experiences while destinations must simultaneously address sustainability, connectivity, technology and resilience.

Innovation while preserving identity

For Saint-Martin, the conference represents an opportunity not only to showcase the destination, but also to exchange experiences with other Caribbean destinations and contribute to a broader regional conversation about the future of tourism.

Weinum's perspective highlights a challenge shared by many destinations across the region: how to incorporate new technologies and innovative approaches without losing the cultural identity and authenticity that distinguish Caribbean destinations in the international market.

SOTIC 2026 will provide a platform for tourism stakeholders to explore these issues and identify opportunities for greater regional cooperation.

For Saint-Martin, participation in the conference reinforces its engagement with Caribbean tourism partners and its commitment to positioning the island as part of a dynamic, innovative and sustainable Caribbean tourism region.