The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Conservation International (CI) have signed an agreement to promote nature-positive tourism throughout the Caribbean. This partnership aims to protect local communities in the Caribbean through regenerative tourism, developing a sustainable model that will shape travel both to the islands and the rest of the world.
Nature-Positive Tourism Throughout the Caribbean
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation and Conservation International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 11, 2025, at the CTO’s headquarters, which are located in Barbados. This agreement forms the foundational framework for both organisations to promote sustainable tourism models. These will focus on protecting biodiversity, strengthening local economies, and improving the well-being of communities across the Caribbean.
This collaborative action hopes to generate growth in the Caribbean through the process of research, education, and outreach. This positive outcome will allow for increased investment into conservation in travel, further encouraging greater adoption of sustainable and nature-positive tourism models.
Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the CTO, has stated:
“This partnership marks a meaningful step forward in our mission to build a regenerative, inclusive and climate-smart tourism sector. By partnering with Conservation International, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the Caribbean’s rich natural heritage while uplifting the communities that depend on it.”
Echoing enthusiasm for the collaboration alongside the hope for sustainable economic growth, Kelvin Alie, Senior Vice President, Field Programs at CI, has said:
“This partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization marks an exciting step forward for Conservation International as we broaden our network of partners in the Caribbean. Working together with the CTO, we can unlock the potential of nature-positive tourism to protect the region’s oceans and coastlines, support sustainable blue economy growth, and empower communities to thrive in the face of climate change.”
Sustainable Tourism Across the World
Tourism places value on global wonders such as picturesque views, cultural differences, and historical sites. However, tourism often adversely impacts local communities and the environment. In the face of the climate change crisis, efforts for increased sustainability are continuously rising throughout the travel and tourism sector.
This action ranges from airlines to passengers across the aviation industry, and includes the reduction of carbon emissions through increasing accessibility to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); airports shifting to battery-powered ground support equipment; and the encouragement of innovative ideas from younger generations to provide new and interesting solutions to current challenges.
These proactive endeavours aim to reduce the negative impact that tourism commonly causes, all the while continuing to support how travel boosts global connectivity and mutual understanding. The agreement between the CTO and CI follows the worldwide trend of finding sustainable alternatives to offset the damage of tourism – however, their partnership is a unique step forward in affirming the Caribbean’s position as a leader in the development and growth of nature-positive tourism.
What are your thoughts on the collaboration between the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and Conservation International? How do you think this will impact sustainable and nature-positive tourism? Let us know.
