The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host regional and international leaders in Belize for the 17th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), running April 27-30, 2026, San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye.
The conference, themed “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies,” will focus on advancing marine conservation, unlocking the creative and cultural potential of the region’s heritage industries, and prioritizing indigenous knowledge systems.
A keynote that centres Indigenous leadership
Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism, will deliver the conference keynote. Dame Pania is recognized globally for advancing indigenous‑led tourism and for championing a values‑based investment model that places cultural identity, guardianship and community well‑being at the center of economic success.
“We are honored to welcome Dame Pania to the Caribbean stage at such a pivotal time for our industry,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO. “Her groundbreaking work in ‘culturalizing commerce’ aligns seamlessly with our ‘Tourism in Full Color’ vision. Dame Pania’s insights will challenge us to move beyond fragmented planning and embrace integrated models that honor our heritage while safeguarding our environmental and economic future.”
Tourism in Full Color
The 17th edition of the STC is focused on the colours of the economy, looking beyond traditional sustainability silos and set to examine the key economic pillars, including:
- Blue and Green Economies, focused on advancing marine conservation, climate resilience and low-carbon growth.
- Orange Economy, and unlocking the creative and cultural potential of the region’s heritage industries.
- Beyond Economies (including Purple) that prioritizes Indigenous knowledge systems, social cohesion and regenerative prosperity.
Belize: natural beauty and community‑based tourism
Belize will showcase the country’s natural and cultural assets, as well as their long history of sustainable tourism planning during the conference.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, emphasized the country’s diversity and accessibility: “As a nation where indigenous heritage and the richness of our natural landscapes together shape who we are, Belize is deeply honoured to host STC 2026,” he said.
“From the enduring legacy of the ancient Maya to the UNESCO-recognized traditions of the Garifuna people, and from our forests to our Barrier Reef, our story is woven from the resilience of these communities and the lands they have long cared for. By welcoming global leaders like Dame Pania to our shores, we underscore that Indigenous wisdom is not merely part of our past — it is an essential blueprint for a sustainable, regenerative future for Caribbean tourism.”
Belize has been focused on sustainable tourism for 50 years with eco-adventures at the core of their development strategy, Minister Mahler added. The country currently offers approximately 12,000 rooms, with many of them fitting into the community-based model of sustainability.
What delegates can expect
Over four days, STC 2026 will feature ministerial roundtables, expert sessions, master classes, and field‑based learning experiences that give delegates direct exposure to Belize’s sustainability initiatives. The program is designed to produce actionable outcomes: new partnerships, policy ideas and field‑tested practices that integrate cultural values with environmental and economic planning.
Photo credit: Belize Tourism Board
