Ahead of STC 2026, the CTO Issues Call for Applications for the Sustainable Tourism Awards

BELIZE CITY, Belize: February 13, 2026 — The Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, more popularly known as the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), is set to take place in Belize from April 27-30, 2026, through collaboration between the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Belize Tourism Board.

Ahead of the Sustainable Tourism Conference, the Caribbean Tourism Organization has launched a call for applications for the Sustainable Tourism Awards. Established in 2000, the awards program recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, destinations, and companies in CTO Member Countries that have developed innovative tourism-related products, services, or experiences while adhering to responsible, sustainable, and regenerative tourism principles.

The official categories for the 2026 awards program are:

• Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award
• Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award
• Community-Based Tourism Award
• Regenerative Tourism Award

The theme of STC 2026 is Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange, and Beyond Economies into Sustainable Planning and Development. The conference acts as the region’s premier platform for networking, dialogue, and knowledge exchange on sustainable and resilient tourism development. It serves to underscore the importance of incorporating environmental stewardship, cultural vitality, economic inclusion, innovation, and community wellbeing into sustainable tourism planning. The conference will feature three and a half dynamic days of expert presentations, panel discussions, specialized masterclasses, and more, all while allowing attendees to experience destination Belize.

The Belize Tourism Board invites tourism stakeholders to submit applications by March 5, 2026, for the CTO Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026. All nominees, including Finalists and Special Mention Awardees, will be invited to an Awards Function during the Sustainable Tourism Conference. Winners will be presented with an official award and certificate commemorating their win. Winning initiatives will also be publicized globally, including on CTO’s social media platforms.

Submit Applications by March 5, 2026.