One of the Caribbean tourism sector’s most anticipated annual industry gatherings is gearing up to kick off in New York City next year, with top public and private sector stakeholders from across the region set to convene for Caribbean Week in New York 2026.
Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the week-long event will open its doors on June 1, 2026, at the InterContinental New York Times Square, aligning perfectly with the annual observance of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Under this year’s central theme, “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” the gathering aims to unite industry voices to shape the future of the region’s $50 billion-plus tourism economy.
A high-profile delegation will lead the event, including Albert Bryan Jr., Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, and Ian Gooding-Edghill, CTO Chairman and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport. They will be joined by a broad cohort of tourism ministers, government commissioners, destination marketing directors and C-suite executives from leading regional and international hospitality, travel and aviation brands.
In comments ahead of the gathering, Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO, framed the event as far more than a networking session: it is a critical strategic hub for the entire Caribbean tourism ecosystem. “Caribbean Week in New York is a critical platform for collaboration, strategy development and celebration of our region’s tourism industry,” Regis-Prosper said. “We are delighted to welcome Governor Bryan, Premier Wheatley, Minister Gooding-Edghill and senior tourism leaders from across the Caribbean as we highlight the strength, resilience and infinite potential of our destinations.”
The event’s opening day will feature a stacked lineup of keynotes and addresses. Governor Bryan is scheduled to deliver remarks to attendees during the official opening ceremony on June 1, while Gooding-Edghill will deliver the conference’s flagship opening keynote address. Wheatley will join the CTO Council of Ministers for a popular featured panel discussion, “Around the Caribbean in 60 Minutes,” which will touch on pressing challenges and emerging opportunities across the region’s top destinations.
Over the course of the week, attendees will take part in a diverse roster of programming focused on the most pressing issues facing Caribbean tourism. Workshops, strategy meetings, networking mixers and industry roundtables will cover topics ranging from sustainable tourism development and inclusive growth to next-generation destination marketing, expanding air connectivity, and integrating new technology to improve visitor experiences.
Standout events on the full schedule include a one-day dedicated marketing conference for destination and industry marketing teams, the annual Caribbean Media Awards honoring outstanding travel journalism focused on the region, and the CTO Foundation Scholarship Awards Luncheon, which supports the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals. The 2026 event will also mark the official debut of CTO TV, the organization’s new digital media platform, alongside a curated tourism marketplace connecting media and travel trade professionals with destination representatives. An allied members showcase breakfast will highlight the work of industry partners, and the event will host the official launch of a new regional supply-side tourism development initiative aimed at strengthening local participation in the sector.
Caribbean Week 2026 has drawn broad backing from a diverse group of regional and international sponsors spanning governments, hospitality brands, aviation companies and travel technology firms. The United States Virgin Islands holds the event’s top Platinum Elite sponsorship level, while Antigua and Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands serve as Gold Elite sponsors. Additional tiered sponsors include The Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Global Ports Holding, Grenada, Sandals Resorts, SITA, Barbados, Sojern, Travel & Adventure Show, and Trove Tourism Development Advisors. Contributing sponsorship comes from Bay Gardens Resorts, Carnival Corporation in partnership with Acordis International Corp., Diamonds International, Expedia Group, Sunrise Airways, Travel Unity, TRÈFLE and Virgin Voyages. The Inter-American Development Bank and Royal Caribbean International are partnering to support the event’s Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, which highlights innovative young leaders and startups in the Caribbean travel space.