The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is set to unveil a new initiative aimed at integrating research into practical tourism strategies during the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana. This inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum will take place on Tuesday, October 6, and is designed to address the gap between academic research and the real-world decisions faced by Caribbean governments and tourism businesses.

As Caribbean destinations grapple with a myriad of challenges, including climate resilience, evolving visitor behaviors, and the impact of digital transformation, the forum seeks to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue. Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s director of research, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘The Caribbean Tourism Research Forum reflects CTO’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Caribbean tourism is informed by credible research, regional collaboration, and practical application.’

The forum will be part of SOTIC 2026, which carries the theme, ‘Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive.’ It aims to bring together academics, researchers, tourism practitioners, and students to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Two key sessions will anchor the program: ‘Emerging Research from Caribbean Universities’ and ‘Research in Practice: Applied and Destination Insights.’ These sessions will showcase recent studies and practical applications that address pressing tourism challenges.

Topics of discussion will include visitor behavior, travel patterns, regenerative tourism, and workforce development, among others. Presentations will be concise, lasting around 10 minutes, and will cater to both technical and non-technical audiences. Following the presentations, moderated discussions will encourage further exploration of how academic research can inform tourism policy and management.

The overarching goal of the forum is not merely to highlight academic work but to enhance the visibility of tourism research within the Caribbean. By demonstrating how research can address real-world challenges, the CTO hopes to foster collaboration among universities, governments, and private-sector entities. Given that tourism is a vital source of employment and economic activity in the region, strengthening the evidence behind tourism decisions is crucial as destinations adapt to climate risks and shifts in travel demand.

Participation in the Caribbean Tourism Research Forum is complimentary for registered SOTIC delegates. To ensure diverse representation, the CTO is inviting nominations from Caribbean universities and recognized research institutions. Recommendations for participants and research presentations can be submitted through the CTO’s nomination form until Sunday, August 23, 2026.

This initiative marks a significant step towards aligning Caribbean tourism strategies with the latest research, ultimately supporting a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry in the region. For more information on SOTIC 2026, visit SOTIC 2026 information.

For further details on research forum nominations, please refer to the nomination form here.

According to eturbonews.com, the Caribbean Tourism Research Forum aims to create a robust connection between research and tourism decision-making, paving the way for a more informed and resilient tourism sector in the Caribbean.