Guyana Is Readying to Host the Caribbean’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference for the First Time

Guyana is preparing to welcome tourism leaders from across the region this fall, when the country hosts the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference for the first time.

The flagship regional conference, better known as SOTIC, will be held at the Pegasus Corporate Suites in Georgetown from Oct. 5–9, bringing together hundreds of tourism officials, policymakers, journalists, youth delegates and private-sector executives.

The annual gathering is the CTO’s principal forum for examining the Caribbean tourism industry, from regional air connectivity and investment to sustainability, technology and destination development.

Guyana’s selection comes as the South American country (which is the seat of CARICOM) continues to expand its tourism sector, with a growing emphasis on nature, adventure, cultural heritage and business travel.

A First for Guyana

Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, called the selection a milestone for the country and a reflection of its increasing role in regional tourism discussions.

“This conference is CTO’s premier gathering for Caribbean tourism leaders and attracts hundreds of regional and international delegates, positioning Guyana as a major player in the development of MICE tourism — a specialized, high-value segment of business travel focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions,” Rodrigues said.

The conference will give Guyana an opportunity to present Georgetown’s expanding business facilities while introducing delegates to the country’s broader tourism product.

Guyana has long been known for its rainforests, rivers, wildlife and indigenous communities, with destinations including Kaieteur Falls, the Rupununi and the country’s interior eco-lodges. Hosting SOTIC will put those experiences before an influential audience of tourism decision-makers and international media.

Growing Regional Profile

Guyana’s tourism profile has risen alongside new hotel development, infrastructure investment and increased international interest in the country.

The conference is also expected to support Georgetown’s meetings and events sector, filling hotel rooms and generating business for restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators and local suppliers.

CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper said Guyana reflects the organization’s focus on tourism experiences rooted in local communities.

The CTO’s theme for 2026 is “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” highlighting the range of cultural, culinary, nature and heritage offerings found across the region.

“This event positions Guyana to showcase its unique blend of ecotourism, adventure, cultural heritage and business facilities to a global audience, further elevating its profile within the Caribbean and beyond,” Regis-Prosper said.

A Regional Tourism Forum

SOTIC typically includes ministerial discussions, research presentations, industry panels, youth programs and networking sessions involving representatives from destinations across the Caribbean.

Topics frequently include aviation, investment, workforce development, sustainability, visitor trends and the use of new technology within the tourism industry.

The Guyana conference follows the most recent SOTIC in Barbados, which was held under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.”

The Georgetown edition is expected to continue many of those conversations while giving Guyana a central role in the regional tourism agenda.

It will also allow delegates to experience a destination with a tourism identity distinct from the traditional beach-centered Caribbean model.

With rainforest expeditions, wildlife experiences, indigenous tourism and one of the world’s largest single-drop waterfalls, Guyana has increasingly positioned itself as one of the region’s leading adventure and ecotourism destinations.

In October, the country will have its biggest opportunity yet to present that story directly to the Caribbean tourism industry.