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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has unveiled the initial lineup of headline speakers for the highly anticipated State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), set to take place from September 2-6, 2024, at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa in the Cayman Islands. This year’s theme, “Caribbean Tourism: Fueling our Lifeblood,” will delve into the evolving dynamics of the industry and showcase strategies for a sustainable and resilient future.
Anton Edmunds, General Manager of the Country Department Caribbean Group at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will offer valuable insights on the future of tourism investment and economic development in the region. Edmunds, with his extensive experience in public-private partnerships, will explore strategies to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director of the acclaimed Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada, will provide an operator’s perspective on navigating the shifting tourism landscape. Hopkin, a respected figure in Caribbean hospitality, will share best practices and innovative approaches to enhancing the guest experience.
“We are delighted to welcome such an exceptional group of industry leaders and innovators to this year’s SOTIC,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s Secretary-General and CEO. “Their diverse perspectives and wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly provide attendees with invaluable insights and practical strategies to navigate the evolving tourism landscape. This caliber of speakers is a testament to SOTIC’s standing as the premier event for shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.”
Other notable speakers include:
Nick Beaulieu, Senior Director of Market Strategy at Sojern, who will discuss the current state of destination marketing.
Robert Cole, Founder and CEO of RockCheetah, who will explore the impact of AI on the travel industry and customer experience.
Melanie Chen, Chair of the Caribbean Energy Chamber (CEC), and Eugene Tiah, President & CEO of CEC, who will emphasize the importance of sustainability in the region.
Christus Gill, Member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Tech Task Force and co-author of the AI Guidebook for Caribbean Tourism.
Richard Moss, Senior Sales Manager, North America with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, who will discuss the intersection of sales and artificial intelligence in tourism.
SOTIC remains the Caribbean’s premier platform for addressing critical issues shaping the region’s tourism sector. The conference brings together a diverse group of regional and global leaders, thought leaders, decision-makers, and influencers to strategize on fostering competitiveness and sustainable growth within the industry.
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