Caribbean tourism ministers, senior officials and industry leaders convened this month aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for the “Iconic Summit,” held as part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) second annual Caribbean Weekend in Miami.
Coming on the heels of Hurricane Melissa, which impacted several Caribbean destinations in October, the summit centred on the cruise sector’s role in disaster recovery, resilience-building and sustainable long-term growth. Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley outlined the company’s rapid response to the hurricane, including the delivery of more than 100 pallets of emergency supplies—such as generators, food and water—to the port of Falmouth in Jamaica. Additional support was provided to assist with distribution in the most affected areas, along with meals for impacted communities.
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In conversation with CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, Bayley reaffirmed Royal Caribbean’s deep commitment to the region, describing the cruise line as an engaged and invested partner in the Caribbean’s development. CTO Chair and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, expressed appreciation to Royal Caribbean and other regional partners for their swift assistance to Jamaica and Haiti following the storm.
Gooding-Edghill also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector, alongside data-driven decision-making, improved regional connectivity and inclusive tourism strategies that deliver tangible benefits to local communities. Despite the increasing challenges posed by climate change, the Caribbean welcomed millions of cruise visitors in 2025, underscoring tourism’s continued importance as a cornerstone of regional economies.
Summit participants agreed that with extreme weather events becoming more frequent, resilience must be embedded into tourism planning. This includes a renewed focus on sustainable development, expanded workforce opportunities for Caribbean youth and sustained public-private partnerships to support the region’s future growth.
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