"Tourism in Full Color": STC 2026 Set to Redefine Caribbean Sustainability in Belize

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has officially unveiled a powerhouse lineup of over 40 speakers for the 17th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2026), scheduled for April 27–30.

Hosted in the coastal hub of San Pedro, the event is centered on the theme "Tourism in Full Color," a strategic framework designed to move the region toward integrated, regenerative development models. The conference aims to bridge the gap between traditional tourism and a holistic "multi-colored" economy that prioritizes environmental resilience and social cohesion.

The "Full Color" paradigm breaks down sustainable development into distinct, actionable economic sectors:

• The Blue Economy: Responsible management of marine and coastal assets.

• The Green Economy: Advancing low-carbon, nature-positive solutions.

• The Orange Economy: Unlocking the value of culture, heritage, and creative industries.

• The Purple Economy: Focusing on social identity, wellbeing, and inclusive growth.

The keynote address, “Tourism in Full Color – A New Development Paradigm,” will be delivered by Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan, CEO of New Zealand Māori Tourism.

Drawing from Indigenous knowledge and inclusive frameworks, her address is expected to challenge delegates to view tourism as a vehicle for holistic community health rather than mere GDP growth. She is joined by high-level experts including Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, who will tackle the pressing issue of carrying capacity in an increasingly climate-constrained world.

A critical highlight of the four-day event is the Ministerial Dialogue on building resilience. This session features a cross-section of regional leadership, including Belize’s Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet, and Tobago’s Secretary of Tourism Zorisha Hackett. By bringing together diverse policymakers and practitioners, the CTO intends to foster partnerships that can implement practical, cross-border solutions for a more inclusive industry.

Beyond the plenary sessions, STC 2026 will transition into "Sustainability in Action" with site visits across Belize. Delegates will engage in immersive experiences at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. These curated visits are designed to provide firsthand insight into successful community-based tourism and terrestrial conservation efforts, showcasing Belize as a living laboratory for the "Orange" and "Green" economies.

The conference is a collaborative effort supported by the Belize Tourism Board and major private sector sponsors including Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Additional local support from entities like the Development Finance Corporation and DIGI Belize underscores the nationwide commitment to this transition. As the Caribbean faces mounting climate risks, STC 2026 serves as the primary platform for the region to align its tourism prosperity with long-term ecological and cultural survival.