Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest leisure travel company, reaffirmed its dedication to Caribbean tourism development through its multifaceted participation in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the Cayman Islands last week. 

The company’s involvement included supporting the Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress and contributing to a key panel discussion on the growth of the cruise sector.

Investing in future leaders

As part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders, Carnival Corporation awarded a $4,000 scholarship to this year’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress winner for the best idea to advance the future of Caribbean tourism. In addition, the company, in partnership with Acordis International Corp., presented a laptop to the second-place winner. The Congress brings together students between 14 and 17 years old from CTO member countries to explore different aspects of the tourism industry, share their ideas, and contribute to the future direction of Caribbean tourism.

Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President, Government and Destination Affairs for Carnival Corporation & plc, said: “Carnival Corporation is proud to support the CTO’s Youth Congress and invest in the future of Caribbean tourism. We believe in the potential of Caribbean youth to shape an innovative and sustainable future for the industry. This scholarship is just one way we’re working to nurture talent and create opportunities for the next generation of tourism leaders.”

Cruise Sector Growth and Opportunities

David Candib, Vice President of Port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, participated in a panel discussion on the “Growth of the Cruise Sector” alongside Richard Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA. Candib shared insights on the industry’s record-breaking performance and Carnival’s expansion plans.

“The cruise industry continues to break records, with demand for cruise vacations at an all-time high,” Candib stated. “Carnival Corporation recently closed another quarter delivering records across revenues, operating income, customer deposits, and booking levels, exceeding our guidance on every measure.”

Candib also highlighted Carnival Corporation’s measured approach to growth, addressing continued strong demand for the world’s most popular cruise line with five new ship orders for Carnival Cruise Line to be delivered between 2027 and 2033. He also discussed plans for Celebration Key, a new destination port in Grand Bahama offering unique experiences across 65 acres.

CTO Acknowledges Carnival’s Contribution

Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s Secretary-General and CEO, praised Carnival Corporation’s engagement: “We are delighted to have Carnival Corporation’s strong presence at SOTIC. Their commitment to Caribbean tourism, from empowering our youth to driving sustainable growth, exemplifies the kind of partnership that propels our region forward. The company’s initiatives in local employment and environmental stewardship are invaluable as we collectively shape the future of Caribbean tourism.”

Local Career Opportunities and Economic Impact

Emphasizing Carnival’s commitment to the Caribbean workforce, the company also gave a tour to the Youth Congress participants, allowing them to see first-hand the career opportunities available in the cruise industry. Approximately 1,400 Caribbean nationals are currently employed on Carnival Cruise Line ships, and the company has implemented several initiatives to further expand the Caribbean workforce, including:

• A partnership with Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) to offer at-sea experience to maritime students over the next three years
• Nautical and culinary apprentice programmes
• Ongoing recruitment and employment presentations in Caribbean communities

“Our participation in this conference and our ongoing initiatives demonstrate Carnival Corporation’s unwavering commitment to the Caribbean. We’re not just cruise operators; we’re active participants in shaping a thriving, sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and residents,” added McKenzie.

Carnival Corporation’s engagement at the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference aligns with its broader strategy to drive Caribbean tourism development through public-private partnerships, combining private-sector innovation with public-sector policies to create effective strategies that benefit the entire region.