During the opening day of STC 2026, the panel discussions clearly highlighted a regional trend: the consolidation of an integrated tourism model that links the blue economy, green economy, and orange economy as complementary pillars of sustainable development in the Caribbean.

The debates brought together ministers, academics, sustainability experts, and leaders from the tourism industry in a space designed to translate strategic concepts into practical planning and management tools for destinations across the region.

Blue economy: coastal tourism as a pillar of resilience

The first panel focused on the blue economy, featuring Ché Amor Greenidge, Dylis McDonald, Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, K. Denaye Hinds, and Maya Trotz.

The discussion emphasized coastal planning, marine ecosystem management, and climate resilience as structural elements of island tourism. Experts agreed that the competitiveness of Caribbean destinations increasingly depends on their ability to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and sensitive coastal zones, integrating risk assessment tools and spatial planning frameworks.

It was also highlighted that the blue economy should not be viewed solely from an environmental perspective, but as a strategic component of regional economic development.

Green economy: from commitments to implementation

The second panel included Vincent Palacio, Acolla Lewis-Cameron, Frank Comito, and Shinelle Jamie Smith.

The discussion focused on the transition from environmental policies to their practical implementation within the tourism industry. Experts examined environmental impact measurement systems, carbon footprint reduction strategies, and biodiversity conservation models applied to tourism.

The importance of community participation in natural resource management was also emphasized, promoting inclusive governance frameworks that ensure a more equitable distribution of the benefits of sustainable tourism.

Orange economy: culture as a driver of tourism development

The third panel featured Ishmael Quiroz, Ronelli Requena, Kim Vasquez, and Emilio Thomas.

The session highlighted the role of culture, creativity, and heritage as strategic assets for building tourism identity and destination differentiation. In Belize’s case, initiatives integrating creative industries, artistic expression, and cultural heritage were presented as part of its tourism offering.

Speakers stressed that the orange economy is not limited to entertainment, but represents an economic development tool with direct impacts on local communities, job creation, and national identity strengthening.

A regional approach to tourism sustainability

Overall, the three panels reflected a regional consensus: the future of tourism in the Caribbean depends on integrating environmental sustainability, economic development, and cultural strengthening.

STC 2026 thus consolidates itself as a strategic platform where Caribbean destinations move toward more resilient, inclusive, and diversified models, in a global context where sustainability is no longer optional but a structural condition for tourism growth.