Caribbean Tourism Organization to Showcase Sustainable Tourism Leadership at CARIFESTA XV

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will highlight its leadership in sustainable tourism at CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, taking place from August 22–31, 2025, in Barbados.

Working alongside the Local Organizing Committee and CARICOM, CTO will feature prominently in the Sustainability Pavilion at the Grand Market in Waterford, near the Botanical Gardens. The interactive booth will showcase the organization’s mission of promoting sustainable tourism development across the region, with exhibits on environmental initiatives, training programs, and green tourism practices.

A Sustainability Corner will emphasize CTO’s regional commitment to resilience and environmental stewardship, while visitors will also learn about upcoming CTO events, including the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados in September and the Tourism Human Resources Conference in the British Virgin Islands in October. Additionally, a general information area will provide resources on research, tourism development, and other priority programs.

As part of the festival’s dialogue, CTO will also participate in a panel discussion on sustainability and cultural integration. Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director for Sustainable Tourism, will represent CTO, stressing the importance of linking culture, tourism, and sustainable development. “Through this pavilion and our participation in dialogue, CTO is underscoring the importance of embedding resilience and environmental stewardship into our tourism sector,” he noted.

CTO’s Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper described the initiative as a chance to present a unified message: “The Sustainability Pavilion allows us to tell the Caribbean’s story of resilience, innovation, and leadership in sustainable tourism. Our presence at CARIFESTA demonstrates our commitment to advancing tourism that not only drives economic growth but also safeguards our cultural and environmental heritage.”

By joining CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Tourism Organization reinforces its role as a regional leader dedicated to promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism through innovation, collaboration, and education.