GEORGETOWN, GUYANA. – Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, Acting CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), received her official Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) pin from CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper during the organization’s Board of Directors meeting in Georgetown, Guyana.

The symbolic presentation took place as Caribbean tourism leaders gathered in Guyana for SOTIC 2026 – the State of the Tourism Industry Conference, held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.” The event is being hosted in Guyana for the first time and runs from October 5 to 9.

According to the CTO, the presentation formally welcomed Grant-Hoschtialek to the CTO community, adding a new dimension to Grenada’s representation within the Caribbean tourism organization.

The CTO Board meeting was part of the organization’s business meetings held ahead of the main SOTIC programme. The October 5 agenda included the Board of Directors Meeting alongside a Cruise Master Class focused on maximizing destination value through cruise tourism.

The Georgetown meetings are taking place at an important moment for the regional organization. During the CTO’s Annual General Meeting, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez was elected chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, while Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, assumed the chairmanship of the CTO Board of Directors, succeeding Andrea Franklin of Barbados.

For Grenada, Grant-Hoschtialek’s participation comes as the destination continues to promote a tourism model built around cultural heritage, sustainability, community participation, marine experiences and product diversification.

Grant-Hoschtialek serves as Chief of Operations and Acting CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. During an interview with ABC MUNDIAL in Georgetown, she highlighted Grenada’s three-island destination concept — Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique — and emphasized that the country’s tourism offer goes far beyond traditional sun, sea and sand.

She pointed to gastronomy, cultural traditions, music, festivals, traditional boatbuilding, yachting, diving and community-based experiences as important elements of Grenada’s strategy to diversify its tourism product.

She also highlighted two new campaigns being prepared by the destination, Pure Escapes and Pure Experiences, with the latter designed to immerse visitors in Grenada’s heritage, culture, cuisine, spices, nautical activities, diving and nature.

The broader SOTIC 2026 programme is addressing many of the issues shaping the future of Caribbean tourism, including airlift and connectivity, competitiveness, tourism intelligence, technology, investment, sustainability, destination development and community participation.

Guyana’s hosting of SOTIC for the first time also places the country at the centre of the regional tourism conversation, with the programme incorporating Indigenous tourism, regenerative tourism, the creative economy, cruise tourism and investment opportunities.

The presentation of the CTO pin to Grant-Hoschtialek therefore comes at a significant moment for both Grenada and the regional organization, as Caribbean destinations seek greater cooperation and a more sustainable, inclusive and competitive tourism future.