CTO presents winners of the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Award 2026 | News
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the winners of the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards, highlighting top innovation in the region towards sustainable and regenerative tourism. Honorees from Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands were recognized for their leadership in pioneering sustainable tourism practices that protect the natural and cultural resources of the Caribbean.
Established in 2000, the awards recognize individuals, organizations and destinations that drive positive change through environmental stewardship, community empowerment, cultural conservation and climate resilience. This year’s winners underline the Caribbean’s continued leadership in building a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.
The awards were presented Thursday at CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize, where regional leaders, industry stakeholders and international partners gathered to share best practices and advance the sustainability agenda.
Representatives from the winning organizations were on hand to receive their awards, including Craig Hayes, owner of Turneffe Flats in Belize; Candace Phillips, Senior Manager Product Development at the Guyana Tourism Authority; Larisa McBean, tourism specialist at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund; and dr. Jasmine Thomas, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust.
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award (sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd.)
Turneffe Flats, Belize, received the program’s highest award, recognizing comprehensive and measurable sustainable tourism practices. The property demonstrated excellence in environmental management, community engagement and innovation, delivering a world-class visitor experience while contributing to long-term sustainability.
Community-Based Tourism Award (sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc)
Guyana Inni Lodge – Toka Village, Guyana, was recognized for its community-led tourism model, putting local people at the heart of development. The initiative delivers authentic visitor experiences while generating tangible social and economic benefits for the community.
Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award (sponsored by CTO)
The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) – REDI II programme, Jamaica, was recognized for its exceptional contribution to tourism resilience and disaster risk management. The REDI II program demonstrates a comprehensive approach to strengthening tourism-dependent communities and increasing their capacity to withstand and recover from shocks.
Regenerative Tourism Award (sponsored by CTO)
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust, Turks and Caicos, was honored for initiatives that go beyond sustainability and create a net positive impact. The organization has demonstrated leadership in ecosystem restoration, cultural preservation and community engagement, setting a benchmark for regenerative tourism in the Caribbean.
“The Caribbean continues to demonstrate that tourism can be a powerful force for good, driving economic growth while protecting our natural and cultural heritage,” said Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at CTO. “This year’s winners represent the very best in innovation, resilience and commitment to sustainability in our region.”
The winners were recognized at the ceremony and will also be included in CTO’s database of good practices for sustainable and regenerative tourism.
Organized by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board, STC 2026 was sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd. (BIHL).
Other Belize sponsors and supporters include Belize Bank, Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), Belize Water Services, Border Management Agency, Bowen & Bowen, Courts, Development Finance Corporation, DigiBusiness, Gongora Construction and Supply, Greater Belize Media, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICB), LED Belize, National Institute of Culture and History, Protected Areas Conservation Trust, smart!, and Wine Smith Ltd.
