What’s next for tourism the Caribbean? The region’s biggest economic driver is front and center at this week’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference, held in Grand Cayman by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. 

This year’s theme is “Fueling our Lifeblood,” focusing on the critical issues that are shaping the region’s tourism landscape. 

That includes sustainability, and the urgent need for sustainable practices that can balance growth with conservation; technology, including a focus on artificial intelligence; aviation and connectivity; the evolution of cruise tourism; the achievements of women in tourism and a look at disaster mitigation strategies for a region exceptionally vulnerable to climate change. 

The conference “provides a vital platform for Caribbean tourism stakeholders to come together and chart a course for a resilient and prosperous future,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, the Secretary General and CEO of the CTO. 

This year’s event is being held at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort. 

The agenda also includes business meetings of the CTO’s Executive Committee and others. 

The conference itself runs Sept. 4-5.