The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is set to introduce a significant regional accolade—the Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award—during this year’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). The organization wrote in a press release that the initiative highlights the Caribbean’s emphasis on growth driven by knowledge and evidence-based policymaking.
The award’s official launch is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, coinciding with the CTO Research Department’s presentation on the current state of the tourism sector. It aims to honor individuals, organizations, and companies within the Caribbean that produce exemplary research and insights grounded in data. According to the CTO, these contributions are intended to enhance the region’s competitiveness on the global stage while promoting sustainability, resilience, and the development of local communities.
Aliyyah Shakeer, the CTO’s Director of Research, emphasized the significance of the award, stating, “This award represents an important step in positioning the Caribbean as a global reference point in tourism strategy and innovation.”
She added, “By recognizing those applying research, data and fresh thinking, we are reinforcing a culture of evidence-based decision-making — a cornerstone of our Reimagine Plan — that ensures growth is sustainable, resilient and inclusive.”
Nominees for the award—including researchers, consultants, educators, students, tourism professionals, firms, and institutions—will be assessed based on three key areas: academic and scientific excellence, tangible industry impact, and leadership in the development of the sector.
The CTO stated that this initiative aligns with its broader Reimagine Plan, a comprehensive strategy built upon five pillars: sustainable and regenerative tourism, tourism intelligence, advocacy, market competitiveness, and people development. Operational excellence also plays a central role, guiding internal reforms. The plan aims to expand data infrastructure, improve skills training, elevate service standards, and ensure the industry’s growth aligns with international sustainability standards.
Through its focus on innovative research and practical solutions, CTO says it seeks to strengthen the Caribbean’s influence in shaping future tourism trends amid challenges such as climate change, evolving markets, and intense global competition.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria and submission procedures will be made available during SOTIC 2025 and through CTO’s official channels, as outlined by the press release.
Current sponsors of SOTIC 2025 include Chukka Caribbean Adventures Barbados Limited, Environics Analytics, Liat Air, Tiki, and Virgin Atlantic. Additional partnership opportunities are also open for organizations interested in supporting the region’s sustainable tourism objectives. More information can be found here.
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