The Sustainable Tourism Conference Concludes with Over 360 Attendees from Across 29 Countries

April 30, 2026 – Belize City, Belize: The 17th Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026), held April 26-30 at Caribeville in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, successfully concluded today. Hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Belize Tourism Board, the event brought together more than 350 attendees from 29 countries, 55 distinguished speakers, and  35 student ambassadors.

Over four days, participants explored innovative strategies, shared best practices, and strengthened partnerships to advance sustainability and resilience across the Caribbean tourism sector. Discussions focused on critical themes, including climate resilience, community engagement, regenerative tourism, and destination stewardship.

A key highlight of the conference was the “Sustainability-in-Action” site tours, which provided delegates with firsthand experiences of several of Belize’s sustainable tourism initiatives. Participants visited iconic locations including Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Hopkins. These immersive tours showcased practical examples of conservation, community-based tourism, and responsible destination management, allowing attendees to witness how Belize continues to translate sustainable tourism principles into real-world impact.

The four-day conference culminated with the Sustainable Tourism Awards Ceremony hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The awards celebrate some of the region’s most outstanding environmental stewards. Awards were presented in the categories of Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, Destination Stewardship and Resilience, Community-Based Tourism, and Regenerative Tourism.

Belize proudly secured top honors, with Turneffe Flats receiving the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award. This recognition highlights Turneffe Flats’ longstanding commitment to environmental conservation, responsible tourism practices, and community engagement, further positioning Belize as a leader in sustainable tourism development.

As part of the event’s international reach, media from the US, Canada, the UK, the Caribbean, and Latin America were present to cover the panel sessions and participate in site tours highlighting Belize’s role as host and its leadership in sustainable tourism.

Overall, STC 2026 served as a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation, reaffirming the Caribbean’s collective commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism industry for future generations.

The success of STC 2026 was made possible by the generous support of a wide range of partners, including key government agencies, private-sector leaders, and community stakeholders.