During the official opening of the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026), organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in Belize, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and Chair of the CTO Council, Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, highlighted the country’s leadership role in advancing a global agenda on sustainability, climate resilience, and regional cooperation.

In an interview with ABC MUNDIAL, the minister emphasized that Barbados has strengthened its international position on climate action, driven by the leadership of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and her global climate advocacy.

“Barbados has not only been recognized as a country that has championed climate change and related issues, but also as one that is actively building resilience,” he stated.

Gooding-Edghill explained that sustainability is a core pillar of Barbados’ development strategy and of the wider Caribbean region, particularly in a context where tourism represents a significant share of regional economies.

“We are here in Belize at the CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference, ensuring that the mandate defined by our Prime Minister is implemented in terms of how we sustain Caribbean tourism globally,” he said.

He also highlighted the strong international participation in this edition of the conference, underscoring Belize’s role as a key host for regional dialogue.

“This is the third conference. The first was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the second in Grenada, and now we are in Belize. This edition has attracted the largest number of participants so far,” he noted.

The minister also pointed to the presence of tourism ministers, commissioners, and national tourism board directors from across the Caribbean, reinforcing regional coordination for sustainable tourism development.

“This not only supports tourism development, but also allows us to sit together and discuss how to ensure a sustainable future for the Caribbean,” he added.

Gooding-Edghill stressed that tourism accounts for more than 50% of economic activity in several Caribbean economies, highlighting the urgency of integrating sustainability and resilience into policy frameworks.

In Barbados’ case, he noted that tourism contributes approximately 41% of the country’s GDP, making it a key pillar of the national economy.

On connectivity, the minister emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with Latin America and Central America, pointing to Panama as a strategic hub.

“We have air connectivity out of Panama with Copa Airlines, which provides an important gateway for Latin America and Central America,” he explained.

He also extended an invitation to travelers from the region to visit Barbados.

“We would like to invite as many people from Latin and South America to visit Barbados and experience what we have to offer. I am sure you will be incredibly impressed with what we offer as a small island developing state,” he concluded.

Barbados’ participation at STC 2026 reinforces its position as one of the leading voices in the Caribbean sustainability agenda, promoting a tourism model based on climate resilience, regional cooperation, and inclusive development.