Guyana has been selected to host the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in October 2026, marking the first time the country will stage the regional event.

The conference is scheduled to take place in Georgetown from October 5–9.

The event is expected to bring together hundreds of Caribbean tourism leaders, international delegates, policymakers, youth representatives, journalists and industry stakeholders.

SOTIC is regarded as CTO’s principal forum for examining critical issues, sharing innovation and shaping the future direction of Caribbean tourism.

Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, described the selection as a milestone reflecting growing regional confidence in the country’s tourism leadership and its expanding role in regional dialogue.

“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.

Hosting the conference highlights Guyana’s emergence as a tourism destination, supported by investments in infrastructure, sustainability and cultural offerings. The decision follows the most recent staging of the conference in Barbados under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.”

CTO Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer Dona Regis-Prosper said the organisation is focusing on community-centred tourism experiences under its 2026 theme, One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences, and identified Guyana as a destination that reflects these priorities.

“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.

Further details regarding registration, programming and venue arrangements are expected to be announced through CTO and Guyana Tourism Authority channels as planning continues.