GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Anguilla has positioned itself at the forefront of the regional conversation this week, leveraging the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 to champion a new era of growth for the island and the wider Caribbean. Under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” the delegation is utilizing the Georgetown gathering to push for strategic advancements in sports tourism, regional connectivity, and youth empowerment.
Leading the Anguillian contingent are Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports Cardigan Connor and Director of Tourism Jameel Rochester. Their presence at the conference—which brings together tourism ministers, industry executives, and global stakeholders—is focused on ensuring that Anguilla remains a competitive and vital player in the evolving landscape of travel.
Minister Connor, a former first-class cricketer, has used the platform to highlight the immense, untapped potential of sports tourism. By integrating sporting events into the island’s broader development strategy, the government aims to diversify its visitor base, stimulate local economic activity, and provide unique opportunities for the youth of Anguilla to engage with the global community.
“The Caribbean is strongest when we work together while still recognizing what makes each of our destinations unique,” Minister Connor said during the meetings. “Anguilla comes to these discussions ready to contribute, to learn, and to help ensure that tourism continues to deliver meaningful benefits for our people.”
Connectivity remains a critical agenda item for the delegation. Director Rochester, who serves on the CTO’s Airlift Committee, has been actively engaged in high-level discussions regarding the necessity of improved intra-Caribbean access. With the aim of fostering smoother travel between Anguilla and both regional and international gateways, Rochester is advocating for more practical and robust air links, a move viewed as essential to maintaining the island’s growth trajectory.
Beyond infrastructure, the delegation has placed a heavy emphasis on the next generation of leadership. Junior Minister of Tourism Amarni Webster is representing Anguilla at the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress, joining peers from across the Caribbean to discuss the future of the industry. This participation underscores Anguilla’s commitment to ensuring that young people are not merely observers, but active architects of the region’s tourism strategy.
Completing the delegation is tourism planner Joleyne Robin-Williams, who is participating in technical sessions focused on sustainable practices and emerging visitor trends.
As SOTIC 2026 continues, Anguilla’s strong presence serves as a testament to its proactive approach. By fostering closer collaborations with regional partners and identifying strategies to boost long-term competitiveness, the island is signaling its intent to remain a premier destination that balances smart, sustainable, and inclusive development for years to come.
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