Cruise tourism was at the heart of conversations when members of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) partnered with Royal Caribbean during Caribbean Weekend in Miami recently for “Envisioning Caribbean Tourism: An Iconic Summit”.

The event brought together regional ministers and directors of tourism, as well as other stakeholders, to explore the potential for economic growth, sustainability, and deeper community engagement aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. There was also mutual exchange on topics such as the cruise industry’s role in creating employment and opportunities in the Caribbean.

One of the featured discussions involved Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, and was moderated by Bevan Springer, president of Marketplace Excellence, the public relations agency representing the CTO.

“The Caribbean is the soul of Royal Caribbean. About 60 per cent of all our business is the Caribbean,” stated Bayley, adding that everything the cruise line does —from the colours and designs of its vessels to its warm, friendly culture—reflects the company’s connection to and association with the region.

While noting Royal Caribbean’s longstanding commitment to fostering the success of all stakeholders throughout the region’s cruise tourism ecosystem, Bayley also shared that the company is maximising its efforts to increase local sourcing in the Caribbean. He pointed out, however, that enhancing supply chain systems remains essential for sustaining and expanding these efforts.

“It does require a lot of cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture to work with the cruise lines to try and figure out how to create cooperatives to aggregate product so that we can purchase it… It takes time, commitment and focus, but we’re very open to that,” Bayley stated.

He also spoke about the potential for Caribbean governments to develop frameworks similar to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which could pave the way for more Caribbean nationals to join the cruise workforce. Bayley praised the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation cadet programme, sharing a recent success story of a female Bahamian second officer who brought Icon of the Seas into Nassau during its inaugural season. Speaking on the topic of sustainability, Bayley highlighted Royal Caribbean’s investments in and embrace of waste reduction initiatives and innovative energy solutions such as biofuels and liquefied natural gas.

CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, emphasised the importance of collaboration with the cruise industry, noting that as CTO reimagines the future of Caribbean tourism, the summit initiative demonstrates its commitment to building successful partnerships that benefit economies and communities.

Gooding-Edghill also recognised Royal Caribbean’s role in providing economic opportunities across the region. “It is a wonderful story… it says something about your leadership, it says something about your company,” he said, thanking Royal Caribbean for its longstanding commitment to the Caribbean.

CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper also expressed her gratitude to Royal Caribbean for its collaborative efforts. “This iconic summit underscores the power of partnerships and collaboration as we reimagine our approach to tourism development and deepen our engagement with the cruise industry,” she said.

As Royal Caribbean prepares to unveil its next cruise ship, Star of the Sea, Bayley assured attendees that the Caribbean will remain central to its operations.

CTO has pledged its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines, to sponsor opportunities for open dialogue between the cruise industry and Caribbean stakeholders, and to pursue opportunities for sustainable growth and mutual benefit.