Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, reaffirmed its commitment to the future of Caribbean tourism, emphasising regional partnership, youth development and sustainable growth, during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), which took place in Barbados last week.

The company’s participation emphasised its role as a key private-sector partner driving the region’s most vital industry. A centrepiece of Carnival Corporation’s involvement was its sponsorship, in collaboration with Acordis International Corporation, of the first prize at the CTO’s signature Regional Tourism Youth Congress. 

Its significant investment in the region’s future tourism leaders included a comprehensive prize package valued at $6,000. The package provides the winner with a scholarship, a tech-enabled learning kit, an experiential engagement opportunity aboard one of Carnival Corporation’s world-class cruise lines, as well as mentorship and coaching sessions throughout 2026. First place prize was awarded to 16-year-old Jolé St John from Tobago.

Carnival Corporation’s presence at SOTIC also showcased the power of public-private partnerships in driving regional growth, especially through stronger collaboration among private entities. The company views its partnership with CTO as a model for how private innovation and public policies can unite to shape the future of Caribbean tourism, which was further cemented during a key panel discussion, “A Holistic Approach to Tourism: Uniting Cruise and Hotel Sectors for Destination-Wide Success.” 

Marie McKenzie, senior vice president of government and destination affairs for Carnival Corporation & plc, participated in the session, highlighting the need for greater alignment among the cruise, hotel and destination sectors to achieve sustainable, destination-wide success.

 “At Carnival Corporation, we believe the key is more open communication and collaboration across the industry. There are clear benefits to both cruise- and land-based tourism, and we can learn so much from one another,” she remarked. “For example, we recently welcomed government officials on board to see firsthand how we manage sustainability and emissions, and many noted that hoteliers could benefit from these practices. In the same way, we want to understand and learn from what hotels are doing. We would like to share knowledge and build solutions together.”

In keeping with the conference theme, “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead,” Carnival Corporation continues to champion innovation and responsible practices. Through strategic partnerships and investments in youth, the company is helping to shape a future for the region that prioritises long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.