CTO and ICF to host Caribbean tourism leaders in London

The Caribbean Tourism Organization and ICF will gather senior tourism officials in London on Nov. 5 during World Travel Market London to discuss Europe’s changing travel preferences and the Caribbean’s competitiveness. The closed-door session will focus on sustainable tourism, destination appeal and practical steps to strengthen the region’s position in the UK and European markets.

Why it matters: - Caribbean tourism leaders are meeting in London as the region looks to protect and grow its share of the UK and European travel market. - The roundtable is designed to turn sustainability talk into competitive advantage, with a focus on traveler preferences, destination resilience and community benefits. - CTO and ICF plan to follow the event with a conclusions paper that could shape future tourism strategy across the Caribbean.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization and global tourism and technology firm ICF will convene senior Caribbean tourism leaders on Nov. 5 during World Travel Market London. - The invitation-only CTO-ICF Tourism Visionaries Circle will be held aboard the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel near ExCeL London. - The session theme is “What Does Europe Want Next? Reimagining the Caribbean for the Conscious Traveler.” - The roundtable will bring together tourism ministers, directors, chief executives and other senior industry leaders. - CTO secretary-general and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper will deliver opening remarks. - Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s deputy director of sustainable tourism, and ICF representatives will also take part in the leadership dialogue.

The details: - The discussion will examine changing traveler expectations and how sustainable and regenerative tourism can strengthen the Caribbean’s market position. - Organizers want participants to assess how the region can build on its natural assets, cultural diversity and visitor experiences. - The agenda includes an opening session on “The Caribbean and Its Future European Footprint.” - The session will look at the expectations of Europe’s increasingly conscious travelers. - The roundtable, moderated by ICF, is meant to foster candid dialogue, challenge conventional thinking and surface practical responses to market demands. - An “Honest Truths” segment will invite participants to anonymously share views on opportunities and challenges facing Caribbean tourism. - The event runs from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by an insights and networking luncheon from 2 to 3 p.m. - CTO and ICF plan to develop a conclusions paper after the event highlighting key insights, shared priorities, outstanding challenges and recommendations. - The collaboration is framed around balancing destination appeal with environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and community well-being. - For more information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit OneCaribbean.org.

Between the lines: - The Caribbean is being positioned not just as a leisure destination, but as a region that must compete on responsibility, authenticity and lived experience. - ICF’s message is that sustainability is not a compliance burden but a market differentiator. - The anonymous feedback segment suggests tourism leaders expect frank discussion about gaps between policy goals and operational reality.

What's next: - CTO and ICF will publish a conclusions paper after the roundtable. - The paper is expected to inform future tourism strategies for Caribbean destinations. - The event may also help sharpen how Caribbean tourism leaders message the region to European travelers ahead of future trade and marketing efforts.

The bottom line: - Caribbean tourism leaders are using WTM London to align on how sustainability, authenticity and competitiveness can work together in Europe’s travel market.