More than 40 global and regional tourism experts will participate in the 17th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2026), organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which will take place in Belize from April 27 to 30.

Held under the theme “Tourism in Full Color,” the conference will examine how Caribbean destinations can adopt more integrated tourism development models that generate benefits for communities while advancing sustainability and resilience.

The event will focus on moving beyond traditional tourism approaches by connecting several economic dimensions. These include the Blue Economy, based on the responsible use of marine and coastal resources; the Green Economy, centered on low-carbon, climate-resilient and nature-positive development; and the Orange Economy, which promotes the value of culture, heritage and creative industries.

The conference will also explore emerging concepts such as the Purple Economy, which links tourism with social cohesion, wellbeing, identity and inclusive growth.

A major highlight of STC 2026 will be the keynote address by Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism. Her presentation, “Tourism in Full Color – A New Development Paradigm,” will draw on Indigenous knowledge and inclusive frameworks to present a more holistic vision for tourism development.

Among the other featured speakers will be Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s ambassador and special envoy for climate change and environment, who will address climate risk management. Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, will discuss the challenge of managing tourism carrying capacity in a world increasingly affected by climate pressures.

Government leaders from Belize and the Caribbean will also take part in a ministerial dialogue focused on resilience and sustainable growth. Participants will include Belize Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations Anthony Mahler; Belize Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Orlando Habet; and Tobago Secretary of Tourism Zorisha Hackett.

“The strength of STC 2026 lies in the diversity of voices and expertise coming together to shape the future of Caribbean tourism,” said Narendra Ramgulam, CTO Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism.

According to Ramgulam, the conference is designed to bring together policymakers, tourism practitioners and innovators in order to exchange ideas, build partnerships and develop practical solutions for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.

The agenda will also feature discussions on inclusive development and green tourism pathways. Speakers include Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene-Kamara, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, and Dr. Acolla Lewis-Cameron of The University of the West Indies.

Additional perspectives will come from Belize tourism specialist Seleni Matus of The George Washington University; Dahlia Guard of the Saint Lucia Community Tourism Agency; Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; and Frank Comito, former CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

Moderated sessions will be led by award-winning Caribbean journalist Julian Rogers and will include representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, The Travel Foundation and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission.

In addition to panel discussions and technical workshops, STC 2026 will include a full day of “Sustainability in Action” site visits across Belize.

Delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Hopkins Experience and The Chaa Creek Experience. These immersive visits are designed to showcase community-based tourism, marine and terrestrial conservation, and the preservation of Belize’s cultural heritage.

STC 2026 is being hosted by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board. The conference is sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd. Additional support comes from Belizean companies and institutions including Bowen & Bowen, DIGI Belize, BELTRAIDE and the National Institute of Culture and History.