Belize held an official press presentation for the international media ahead of the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2026), through an informative breakfast organized in the capital city, as part of the pre-event agenda prior to the arrival of journalists and their subsequent transfer to San Pedro, in Ambergris Caye, where the conference will take place from April 27 to 30.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Belize Tourism Board and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), who provided a comprehensive overview of the significance of this conference for the future of tourism in the Caribbean.

Belize positions itself as a regional model

During the presentation, Nicole Usher, CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, welcomed international media and highlighted the importance of Belize sharing its story and tourism model with the world.

In her remarks, she emphasized the country’s natural and cultural richness, noting that the visitor experience goes far beyond a first visit. Among the main highlights mentioned was the iconic Great Blue Hole, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, as well as Belize’s strong conservation policies that protect a significant portion of its national territory.

Identity and sustainable planning

Deborah Gilharry-Arana, from the Belize Tourism Board, described Belize as a unique destination due to its multicultural identity and its positioning between the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America.

She explained that the country’s tourism development is based on a long-term master sustainability plan, aimed at balancing economic growth and environmental protection, while also incorporating local culture through the orange economy.

Climate challenges and regenerative tourism

Meanwhile, Josue Carballo, Chief Tourism Officer, stressed the urgency of addressing the impacts of climate change in the Caribbean, particularly regarding marine ecosystems.

He warned about the effects of rising ocean temperatures on coral reefs and highlighted the need to move toward regenerative tourism models that not only conserve but actively restore natural resources.

A shared regional vision

From the CTO, Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of the organization, emphasized that the conference represents a key platform to strengthen regional cooperation and advance a common sustainability agenda.

He noted that STC 2026 will facilitate the exchange of experiences among Caribbean countries and other markets, reinforcing the region’s positioning as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

A key prelude to the conference

This press breakfast marked the beginning of international coverage of STC 2026, which in the coming days will bring together tourism leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss concrete solutions around sustainable financing, climate resilience, and innovation.

With this pre-event engagement, Belize reaffirms its role as a strategic host and one of the most committed destinations to sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.