Organized as part of the second annual Caribbean Weekend by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the event aimed to discuss strengthening Caribbean tourism through resilience and strategic cooperation between the cruise industry and local governments. Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, detailed the company's immediate response to the recent climate crisis. The Caribbean Tourism Organization and Royal Caribbean strengthened their alliance following Hurricane Melissa. During the event, public and private sector leaders agreed to promote data-driven policies and expand employment opportunities for young people. Gooding-Edghill called for implementing data-driven policies that prioritize the well-being of local communities over massive unplanned growth. Meanwhile, the Royal Caribbean Group delegation presented its progress in sustainability initiatives, including the implementation of environmental technologies, shore power systems, and the development of port infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events. Bayley emphasized that the cruise line considers itself an integral part of the region and highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication channels to assist destinations in times of emergency. The President of the CTO and Minister of Tourism of Barbados, Ian Gooding-Edghill, expressed his gratitude to regional partners for the support provided to Jamaica and Haiti. During his speech, he underlined that the future of Caribbean tourism depends on the ability to reinvent business models through innovation and connectivity. These actions seek to align cruise operations with the sustainable development goals required by Caribbean destinations. One of the key points of the summit was the need for a master plan that allows destinations to manage the flow of visitors in a balanced way. Bayley urged government leaders to collaborate in expanding pathways to employment for Caribbean youth, eliminating historical barriers that hinder their participation in the cruise industry. Despite setbacks caused by the cyclone season, the region welcomed millions of visitors in 2025. The meeting concluded by reminding that tourism is a vital engine for regional economies and that ensuring its stability is a shared responsibility among all actors in the value chain.
