Caribbean Tourism and Cruise Leaders Align on Resilience and Shared Growth

Caribbean tourism ministers, directors and industry executives gathered this month aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for the “Iconic Summit,” held during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) second annual Caribbean Weekend in Miami. The meeting took place in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which affected several Caribbean destinations in October, and focused on the cruise industry’s role in recovery, resilience and long-term growth.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley detailed the company’s swift response to the crisis, including the delivery of more than 100 pallets of essential supplies—such as generators, food and water—to Jamaica’s port of Falmouth, along with support for distribution in heavily impacted areas and meal provision for affected communities. In a discussion with CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, Bayley reaffirmed Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the region, describing the company as an active member of the Caribbean community.

CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, thanked Royal Caribbean and regional partners for their solidarity with Jamaica and Haiti following the hurricane. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector, as well as data-driven policies, improved connectivity and inclusive tourism growth that benefits local communities.

Despite climate-related challenges, the Caribbean welcomed millions of cruise visitors in 2025, reinforcing tourism’s role as a vital economic pillar for the region. Summit participants agreed that as extreme weather events become more frequent, resilience must be embedded into tourism planning, supported by sustainable development, workforce opportunities for Caribbean youth and continued public-private cooperation.