MIAMI – In a landmark gathering aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Caribbean tourism ministers and industry executives convened this month for the “Iconic Summit” to address hurricane recovery and sustainable tourism strategies. The event, part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) second annual Caribbean Weekend, highlighted the cruise industry’s critical role in regional resilience.
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley detailed the company’s comprehensive response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, which included delivering over 100 pallets of essential supplies to Jamaica’s Falmouth port and coordinating relief distribution in severely affected communities. In discussions with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, Bayley emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment: “We consider ourselves integral to the Caribbean community, consistently responding to crises with immediate support.”
CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, acknowledged Royal Caribbean and regional partners for their humanitarian efforts in Jamaica and Haiti. He advocated for enhanced collaboration between governments and private enterprises, stating, “Our tourism future hinges on collective innovation and belief in the region’s limitless potential.” He underscored the necessity of data-driven policies, improved connectivity, and community-centered growth.
Bayley proposed comprehensive “master planning” for sustainable tourism management, highlighting opportunities for cruise lines and destinations to collaborate on youth employment initiatives. He outlined Royal Caribbean’s sustainability commitments, including investments in environmental technologies, shore power systems, and robust port infrastructure.
Despite hurricane-related challenges, the Caribbean welcomed millions of cruise visitors in 2025, reinforcing tourism’s economic significance. The summit concluded with a unified message: integrating resilience into every development plan is imperative as climate threats intensify.
The event blended purposeful dialogue with cultural elements, including a Wizard of Oz performance and an appearance by the ship’s “Chief Dog Officer,” reinforcing that tourism resilience requires collective engagement across all sectors.