Anguilla has been selected to host the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Sports Tourism Summit, a landmark event scheduled for August 12–14, 2027. The announcement was made during the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown, Guyana, where regional leaders gathered under the theme, “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.”
The upcoming summit is designed to serve as a premier platform for exploring the intersection of sports, tourism, and economic growth. By bringing together athletes, event organizers, destination marketers, and private-sector partners, the CTO aims to define a strategic path for Caribbean nations to leverage sporting events as a catalyst for visitor attraction, destination branding, and community development.
Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of the CTO, emphasized that sports represent a potent, yet underutilized, connective force in the region. “This summit will create a dedicated space for destinations to share ideas, build partnerships and look more strategically at how sporting events and experiences can contribute to tourism growth,” Regis-Prosper stated. “Anguilla is an excellent destination in which to begin that conversation.”
For the host island, the summit offers a unique opportunity to showcase its evolving sports ecosystem. Anguilla has recently focused on expanding its footprint in tennis and golf, integrating these niche offerings into its well-established reputation for luxury leisure and culinary tourism.
Cardigan Connor, Anguilla’s minister of health, tourism, and sports—and a former first-class cricketer—noted that the island’s commitment to hosting the event stems from a vision to provide tangible benefits for local residents. “Having spent much of my life in sports, I have seen firsthand the doors it can open,” Connor said. “Anguilla sees tremendous potential—not only to attract visitors and generate economic activity, but also to provide pathways to training, international exposure, scholarships, and careers for young Anguillians.”
Connor also highlighted a broader, humanitarian vision for the initiative. He suggested that future sporting efforts could serve as platforms for social causes, including regional health initiatives to support those affected by cancer, citing the importance of using shared passions to unite Caribbean communities.
Jameel Rochester, director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the event is about more than just managing a tournament. “It is about creating another compelling reason to visit the destination and then connecting those visitors with our accommodations, restaurants, beaches, and culture,” Rochester added.
As planning begins, the CTO expects to release further details regarding the summit’s venue, keynote speakers, and registration process in the coming months. For the Caribbean tourism sector, the 2027 event marks a decisive step toward formalizing sports as a pillar of regional sustainability and economic resilience.
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