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Cayman Islands posts record stayover arrivals

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The Cayman Islands welcomed a record 333,747 stayover visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 11% from the same period last year. July arrivals rose 10% to 45,053, marking the destination’s ninth consecutive month of growth.

The United States drove July’s gains, delivering 37,910 visitors, a 12% increase. European arrivals grew in July 12.7%. Canadian visitation fell 15.9% amid reduced nonstop flight frequency, but arrivals from Canada remained up 43.3% for the year through July.

Combined stayover and cruise visitation reached 1,058,781 through July, up 6.2% year over year. 

Cruise arrivals increased 4% over the seven-month period, despite a 23% decline in July to 43,380 passengers as fewer ships called at the destination.

Guyana President Irfaan Ali to Keynote CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference in October

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Head of state to address Caribbean tourism’s smart, sustainable and inclusive future at regional conference in Georgetown

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Sept. 3, 2026) — His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, president of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, placing the future of Caribbean tourism within the wider regional conversation on economic transformation, resilience, innovation and inclusive growth.

Set for Georgetown, Guyana, Oct. 5–9, SOTIC 2026 will be held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.” President Ali’s keynote will help frame the conference conversation around how Caribbean destinations can harness innovation and technology, strengthen environmental and economic resilience, and ensure that tourism growth creates meaningful opportunities for communities across the region.

His address comes as Caribbean tourism leaders confront a rapidly changing global environment shaped by new technologies, evolving traveler expectations, climate pressures and increasing competition. Against that backdrop, SOTIC will examine how the region can remain competitive while pursuing a model of tourism development that delivers stronger economic, social and environmental returns.

“President Ali’s participation brings an important dimension to SOTIC at a time when we are asking fundamental questions about what the future of Caribbean tourism should look like,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of CTO. “He brings the perspective not only of a regional head of government but also of a leader who understands sustainable tourism and its connection to national development. As we explore a future that is smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive, his voice will help set the stage for the bold thinking and collaborative action our region needs.”

Guyana provides a particularly relevant setting for this year’s discussions. The country has placed sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation and community participation at the center of its tourism development strategy while pursuing broader economic diversification and investment in the sector.

Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s minister of tourism, industry and commerce, said hosting SOTIC and welcoming regional and international tourism leaders to Georgetown presents an opportunity to advance the Caribbean tourism conversation while showcasing Guyana’s evolving visitor economy.

“We are honored to welcome President Ali to deliver the keynote address and to host the Caribbean tourism community here in Guyana,” said Minister Rodrigues. “The conference theme speaks directly to the kind of tourism future we are working to build — one that embraces innovation, protects what makes our destinations distinctive and ensures that the benefits of tourism reach our people and communities. Guyana is proud to provide the setting for this important regional dialogue.”

President Ali, who was first sworn in as Guyana’s ninth executive president in August 2020 and began a second term in September 2025, brings significant experience in economic planning and national development to the conference. Before becoming president, he served in the National Assembly and held ministerial responsibility for Housing and Water as well as Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

He holds a doctorate in urban and regional planning from the University of the West Indies along with graduate and professional qualifications in manpower planning, international business, finance and international commercial law.

SOTIC is CTO’s principal forum for bringing together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, regional and international partners, academics, media, young people, and other industry stakeholders to examine the issues shaping Caribbean tourism.

The 2026 program will place particular emphasis on data, tourism intelligence, innovation, emerging technology, climate resilience and regenerative tourism, destination competitiveness, inclusive growth, and the role of the region’s next generation of tourism leaders. Guyana will host SOTIC for the first time.

CTO business meetings will take place Oct. 5–6, followed by the main SOTIC conference Oct. 7–8 including the Regional Tourism Youth Congress on Oct. 8. Destination Media Briefings will conclude the week on Oct. 9.

For more information and to register for SOTIC 2026, visit sotic.onecaribbean.org.

Curaçao lands new flights from Argentina

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Curaçao is stepping up its efforts to attract more travelers from Argentina, adding new nonstop Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from Buenos Aires to Willemstad on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Starting in January, the airline will operate four flights per week including two nonstop services and two flights via Aruba on Mondays and Thursdays. The service will continue through the end of March.

Argentina has emerged as one of Curaçao’s fastest-growing tourism markets in recent years. Between January and July 2026, Curaçao welcomed 23,924 stayover visitors from Argentina, a 79% increase compared with the same period in 2025. In July alone, the destination welcomed 4,862 Argentine visitors, up from 2,885 in July 2025 (an increase of 69%).

Aruba welcomed the launch of nonstop service from Argentina earlier this year.

Set Sail for the ‘French Riviera’ of the Caribbean in Martinique

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FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (August 3, 2026) – Martinique offers one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding sailing experiences, inviting boaters to moor beneath the towering slopes of Mount Pelée one day and anchor among the tranquil islets of the Atlantic coast the next. This remarkable diversity of landscapes, combined with the island’s distinctive French-Caribbean culture and first-class marine facilities, makes Martinique an exceptional destination for seasoned sailors and first-time charter guests alike.

“Martinique has a certain art de vivre that is best appreciated from the sea,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority. “Each harbor, each bay and each village reveals its own personality. One moment you are enjoying the lively atmosphere of Le Marin, and the next you are anchored in a peaceful cove with only nature around you. It is this effortless blend of elegance, authenticity and adventure that makes sailing in Martinique such a memorable experience.”

The French territory features the highest number of moorings in the Lesser Antilles, supported by modern marinas, protected anchorages and comprehensive marine services. Dedicated landing stages throughout the island provide fuel, Wi-Fi, restrooms, restaurants, shops and easy access to nearby communities, allowing sailors to explore ashore with ease. Naturally sheltered bays also offer excellent protection during hurricane season, making Martinique a preferred home port for many Caribbean cruisers.

At the heart of the yachting scene is Le Marin, one of the Caribbean’s largest and most sophisticated marinas. Situated within one of the region’s most beautiful protected bays, it serves as the gateway to Martinique’s southern coastline and features full-service maintenance facilities, yacht provisioning, charter companies and hundreds of berths. Visitors can choose from catamarans, sailing yachts and motorboats, book fully crewed excursions or charter a yacht with or without a skipper for multi-day adventures around Martinique and neighboring islands.

Beyond recreational cruising, Martinique’s vibrant maritime culture comes alive through internationally recognized sailing and water sports events. Every August, the island hosts the Tour des Yoles Rondes, its iconic traditional sailing race, as colorful handcrafted yoles circle the coastline in a weeklong celebration of Martinican heritage, seamanship and community. The island’s centuries-old yole tradition was recognized by UNESCO in 2020 as a model for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

To help visitors plan their voyage, Martinique has expanded its online yachting resources with updated marina information, navigational guidance and interactive planning tools, making it easier than ever to chart the perfect itinerary.

For more information about sailing and yachting in Martinique, including marina facilities and voyage planning resources, visit martiniquepro.org/yachting.

Registration opens for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Guyana

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Registration is now open for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), to be held in Georgetown, Guyana, Oct. 5-9.

Under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” the conference will bring together tourism leaders from across the region and beyond.

The program will feature the official State of the Tourism Industry presentation, engaging sessions on data and innovation, the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum, the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, and discussions on investment opportunities and the importance of cruise tourism to the region.

CTO has named interCaribbean Airways the Official Airline Partner for SOTIC 2026. Through the partnership, SOTIC delegates and CTO members will receive a 25% discount on flights to Guyana, helping to strengthen regional participation and make the conference more accessible to attendees from across the Caribbean.

The interCaribbean Airways discount code will be provided upon registration.

Register today at sotic.onecaribbean.org.

Anguilla Tourism Director Champions Regional Unity and Youth Development

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THE VALLEY, Anguilla (August 4, 2026) — Anguilla’s tourism director is urging more young people to pursue careers in hospitality and calling on Caribbean destinations to collaborate rather than compete, saying the region’s real rivals lie outside the Caribbean.

Jameel Rochester, 33, the youngest and first male director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, made the comments during a recent interview with host Lawrence Boschulte on 90.9 FM, operated by Caribbean Broadcast Network (BVI) Limited.

“If tourism was created for the sole purpose of our people benefiting from it, then they need to be the beneficiaries,” Rochester said. “We have to do everything that it takes to make sure that our people are at the helm of the industry.”

His leadership strategy for strengthening Anguilla’s tourism product rests on three priorities: people, product and purpose. “When we invest in our people, when we protect and enhance our product, and when we remain purposeful in our decisions, tourism becomes sustainable and beneficial for generations to come,” he noted.

Rochester encouraged young Anguillians to see tourism as a path to management and leadership, not only entry-level work. “There are opportunities that exist for us that are beyond the position of just being a dishwasher and a server and a clerk,” he stated.

His own tourism and hospitality career progressed from banking and hotel operations — including roles at Malliouhana, Zemi Beach House, Cap Juluca and Four Seasons Anguilla, and later at Wymara Resort + Villas in Turks and Caicos — to tourism leadership. A Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association scholarship recipient, he earned a second MBA at Les Roches in Spain after studying at The University of the West Indies, Mona, in Jamaica. He also served as General Secretary of the Anguilla Football Association, where he helped expand community programs through sport.

Rochester believes Caribbean destinations should work together to attract visitors who might otherwise choose destinations outside the region.

“My competitors are Seychelles, Dubai, Fiji and Bora Bora,” he said, adding that collaboration can encourage multi-island trips that pair Anguilla with the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten-Saint-Martin, St. Barthélemy and other neighbors.

Improved air connectivity is another focus of Anguilla, Rochester stated. He pointed to nonstop American Airlines service from Miami, BermudAir/AnguillAir flights from the U.S. and Canada, and expanded options through Turks and Caicos that strengthen links among British Overseas Territories.

Rochester described Anguilla’s offer as “luxury inclusive,” meaning visitors at different price points can still access the island’s beaches, food and experiences. The destination’s “Lose the Crowd. Find Yourself.” positioning, he explained, is intended for travelers seeking simplicity and rest. “Anguilla is something to somebody, but not everything to everybody,” he said.

Anguilla led reporting Caribbean destinations in stayover visitor growth during the first quarter of 2026, welcoming 46,691 visitors from January through March — a 24.6% increase over the same period in 2025, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The tourism director credited the Anguilla Tourist Board team, tourism businesses and the wider community for the foundation already in place, adding that the goal is to build on that work while protecting what makes the destination distinctive.

For information on Anguilla, visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram:@Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; X: @Anguilla_Trsm. Hashtag: MyAnguilla.

Caribbean Music Awards Heads to Trinidad and Tobago

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (August 16, 2026) – Trinidad and Tobago will take center stage next month when the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards makes its Caribbean debut at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain.

Set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, the event marks the first time the Caribbean Music Awards will be staged in the region, following three editions in Brooklyn, New York.

Presented by Tourism Trinidad Limited, with support from the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, and Global Trinidad and Tobago, the awards will serve as the centerpiece of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, bringing together artists, fans, music industry professionals, cultural tastemakers and visitors for a destination celebration of Caribbean music and culture.

International recording artist, humanitarian and Belizean politician Shyne will receive the Global Ambassador Honor; calypso legend Tobago-born Calypso Rose will receive the Elite Calypso Honor, Haitian-American singer-songwriter Alan Cavé will receive the Elite Konpa Honor, and dancehall icon Patra from Jamaica will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Honor during the awards ceremony.

The celebration extends beyond awards night, with a three-day program designed to showcase Trinidad and Tobago as both a cultural and entertainment destination. Activities begin on Friday, September 18, with a welcome reception and networking experience.

On Saturday, guests will take part in pre-show and red carpet experiences ahead of the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards at NAPA, followed by an official after-party. The weekend continues on Sunday, September 20, with the Stars & Steel Pan Concert & Awards and another official after-party.

The Caribbean Music Awards is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating individuals whose work has made a meaningful contribution to Caribbean music and culture. Rooted in Caribbean pride, the platform also seeks to strengthen the region’s creative community, promote greater unity and expand opportunities for Caribbean talent on the global stage.

Anguilla Ranked No. 1 Caribbean Destination and No. 3 Worldwide for Festive Travel by Virtuoso

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West End places No. 8 among top festive destinations worldwide

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 13, 2026) — Anguilla has been ranked the No. 1 Caribbean destination and No. 3 country worldwide for festive (holiday season) travel by Virtuoso, the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, according to data presented this week at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas.

Virtuoso connects more than 20,000 leading travel advisors with over 2,200 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines and tour operators. Bookings made through Virtuoso advisors deliver exclusive client benefits and represent a significant share of high-value luxury travel.

The ranking places Anguilla immediately behind the United States and Mexico in Virtuoso’s Festive Travel Top 10 Countries list, ahead of other highly-ranked Caribbean destinations including Turks & Caicos, St. Barts, Antigua & Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands.

West End, Anguilla, also secured the No. 8 position among the network’s top individual festive destinations worldwide.

Virtuoso defines the festive period as Dec. 15 through Jan. 7. Overall festive sales for 2026 are pacing 56% ahead of the comparable period in 2025, with bookings up 65%, according to the network’s intelligence presented during the annual event.

“This ranking is a powerful validation of Anguilla’s position as a premier luxury destination,” said Jameel Rochester, Director of Tourism of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). “To place first among Caribbean destinations and third globally for festive travel among Virtuoso’s preferred partners speaks to the strength of our product, the excellence of our resorts and villas, and the genuine hospitality that defines the Anguilla experience. We are especially proud that West End continues to stand out as a world-class destination within our island.”

The Anguilla Tourist Board is represented at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas by Chantelle Richardson, Deputy Director of Tourism; Merla Smith-Halley, Board Director; and Vivian Chambers, ATB USA Sales Representative. The delegation is participating in the industry’s premier luxury travel marketplace, which brings together thousands of leading luxury travel professionals and providers from more than 100 countries.

The findings form part of Virtuoso’s broader 2026 State of Travel presentation, which reported overall network sales growth of 20.8% year over year (excluding air) across its preferred-partner network as of June 2026.

Anguilla’s strong showing aligns with continued growth in demand for exclusive, high-end Caribbean experiences during the holiday season, when the island’s breathtaking beaches, world-class resorts, villas and refined culinary scene draw discerning travelers seeking an intimate escape.

SOTIC 2026 to Feature Cruise Master Class as Guyana Advances Cruise Tourism Ambitions

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FCCA CEO Michele Paige to headline initiative focused on building capacity and unlocking new opportunities in cruise tourism

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Aug. 19, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, will host a special Cruise Master Class during the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana (Oct. 5-9, 2026), as the country takes important steps toward developing its potential as an emerging cruise tourism destination.

The Master Class, titled “Maximizing Destination Value through Cruise Tourism,” will feature Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), bringing one of the cruise industry’s leading voices to Georgetown for a productive exchange designed to strengthen understanding of the sector and help Guyana assess the opportunities, requirements and partnerships necessary to build a competitive cruise tourism product. FCCA works with destinations and cruise lines across the Caribbean and Latin America to strengthen cruise tourism development and maximize the economic benefits generated by the sector.

The session will provide tourism officials, private-sector stakeholders and other participants with practical industry insights into areas such as destination readiness, product development, shore experiences, service excellence, cruise line expectations and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

Norris Clement, CTO’s deputy director of professional services, said the Master Class reflects CTO’s commitment to ensuring that tourism growth is supported by the skills, knowledge and institutional capacity required to deliver long-term benefits. “Cruise tourism presents the entire Caribbean with an exciting opportunity. But we must have a clear understanding of how the industry works and the importance of strong partnerships, compelling visitor experiences and a workforce and business community prepared to deliver at a consistently high standard.” 

Clement said: “This Master Class is about building that foundation and equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge that can help Guyana and the wider Caribbean continue to approach cruise tourism strategically, sustainably and competitively.”

Beth Hatt, Founder of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

The Cruise Master Class aligns with CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025–2027 and supports the ongoing work of its Cruise, Yachting and Ferry Committee, which is focused on strengthening engagement between Caribbean destinations and the cruise sector and expanding the benefits generated by marine tourism across the region.

Beth Hatt, founder of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, said Guyana has an opportunity to draw on proven industry experience and practical tools as it shapes its approach to cruise tourism. “For destinations across the Caribbean, cruise tourism represents an important opportunity, but maximizing that opportunity requires looking beyond the cruise call itself. It means understanding where value is created and where it can be strengthened, while building destination readiness, compelling visitor experiences, local participation and strong partnerships. We look forward to helping stakeholders explore how cruise tourism can contribute to broader tourism growth and long-term destination resilience.”

Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, who will be represented in Guyana by both Hatt and Ambra Attus, director of impact, development and growth, is a leading destination training provider for the global cruise industry. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience operating Aquila Tours and its Living Lab in Saint John, New Brunswick — where guest experiences are designed, tested and refined — the organization delivers training and development programs for destinations, tour companies, tour guides and front-line operators. 

Aquila, a CTO Allied Member, works with cruise lines and destination stakeholders to support long-term cruise destination success.

Ambra Attus, Director of Impact, Development and Growth at Aquila

Guyana’s emergence as a potential cruise destination adds a distinctive dimension to the Caribbean cruise landscape, complementing the region’s established island ports with experiences rooted in the country’s natural environment, cultural diversity and adventure tourism product.

Under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” this year marks the first time Guyana will host CTO’s flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference.

SOTIC brings together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, industry specialists, media and other regional and international stakeholders to examine the issues and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

To register, visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org.

Anguilla Strengthens Luxury Travel Partnerships at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026

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Destination deepens advisor relationships as Virtuoso recognition adds momentum to strong Las Vegas showing

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 20, 2026) — The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) strengthened relationships with leading luxury travel advisors and industry partners during Virtuoso Travel Week 2026, reinforcing the destination’s position in the global luxury travel marketplace during a week that also delivered significant international recognition for Anguilla.

Held in Las Vegas from Aug. 8–14, Virtuoso Travel Week brought together leading luxury travel professionals and preferred partners from around the world for high-level networking, business development and destination engagement.

Representing Anguilla were Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism; Merla Smith Halley, board director of ATB; and Vivian Chambers, Anguilla’s U.S. sales representative.

Chantelle Richardson, Anguilla’s deputy director of tourism (right) and Merla Smith Halley, board director of the Anguilla Tourist Board (left), with U.S.-based travel advisors Falon Sweeney and Courtney Carter during Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas.

Throughout the week, the delegation met with influential travel advisors and industry partners, sharing the latest developments from Anguilla, strengthening key relationships while creating new opportunities to drive awareness and visitation among high-value travelers.

Adding further momentum to Anguilla’s presence, Virtuoso announced during the week that Anguilla had been ranked the No. 1 Caribbean destination and No. 3 worldwide for festive (holiday season) travel based on the network’s 2026 booking data. West End, Anguilla also ranked No. 8 among Virtuoso’s top individual festive destinations worldwide.

The recognition provided a powerful backdrop for ATB’s marketplace engagements, affirming strong demand for Anguilla while giving the delegation a compelling reason to engage advisors around the destination’s distinctive luxury offering.

Anguilla takes center stage at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, showcasing the destination’s distinctive “Taste. Feel. Love.” brand experience.

“Virtuoso Travel Week gives Anguilla a priceless opportunity to connect directly with the advisors and partners who influence luxury travel decisions around the world,” said Richardson. “The recognition announced during the week was an especially proud moment for us and reinforced what we were hearing in our conversations — that Anguilla keeps resonating strongly with discerning travelers looking for exceptional experiences, personalized service and authentic Caribbean hospitality.”

An important highlight of Anguilla’s participation was its presence in the Virtuoso Preferred Partner Lounge which provided a dedicated platform for direct engagement with advisors and industry partners. 

The ATB delegation showcased the breadth of Anguilla’s tourism offering, including its acclaimed resorts and villas, award-winning beaches, renowned culinary scene, wellness experiences and highly customized approach to hospitality.

Four properties from Anguilla’s Virtuoso portfolio were present: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club; Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla; Malliouhana Resort Anguilla; and Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts. 

Given that Anguilla has six properties within the Virtuoso network (the remaining two being Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla and Quintessence Hotel, Relais & Châteaux), the destination’s representation at Virtuoso Travel Week delivers significant value in showcasing the strength and diversity of Anguilla’s luxury tourism product while further reinforcing its positioning in the global luxury travel market.

ATB also hosted an intimate dinner for key travel partners, providing an occasion to deepen relationships and share the Anguilla story in a personal setting reflective of the kindness and hospitality for which the island is well known.

Richardson said these relationships are critical to converting destination awareness into meaningful business for Anguilla.

“Luxury travel is highly relationship-driven, and travel advisors remain some of our most important ambassadors in the marketplace,” she said. “Our objective is not simply to ensure they know Anguilla, but that they understand the depth of the destination, what is new and evolving, and why Anguilla continues to deliver an experience that inspires repeat visitation and strong word-of-mouth advocacy.”

Through purposeful engagements such as Virtuoso Travel Week, the Anguilla Tourist Board continues to strengthen international partnerships, expand destination visibility, and convert marketplace interest into visitation and economic opportunity for Anguilla and its tourism industry stakeholders.

Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, meets Frank Pierce, director of sales & marketing of Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, during Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas.