MIAMI – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) collaborated with Royal Caribbean during Caribbean Weekend in Miami, uniting regional tourism ministers, directors, and various stakeholders to discuss opportunities for economic development, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced community involvement in the region.
The event, “Envisioning Caribbean Tourism: An Iconic Summit,” took place on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. It featured a lively discussion with Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. Bevan Springer, President of Marketplace Excellence, moderated the talk. Marketplace Excellence is the public relations agency for the CTO.
The summit was a great opportunity. It focused on how the cruise industry creates jobs and opportunities in the Caribbean.
Cruise Tourism Ecosystem
“The Caribbean is the soul of Royal Caribbean. About 60 percent of all our business is the Caribbean,” stated Bayley, noting that everything the cruise line does – from the colors and designs of its vessels to the warm, friendly culture of the company —reflects the company’s connection to and association with the region.
Bayley highlighted Royal Caribbean’s longstanding commitment to fostering the success of all stakeholders throughout the region’s cruise tourism ecosystem, emphasizing employment opportunities and sharing that the company is maximizing its efforts to increase local sourcing in the Caribbean.
He noted, 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 indicated.
Cruise Workforce
The company executive also spoke about 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 program, sharing a recent success story of a female Bahamian second officer who brought Icon of the Seas into Nassau during its inaugural season.
Sustainability was another focus of the discussion, with Bayley describing Royal Caribbean’s investments in and embrace of waste reduction initiatives and innovative energy solutions such as biofuels and LNG.
CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, shared his reflections on 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.
Minister Gooding-Edghill recognized 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.”
Royal Caribbean Star of the Sea
As Royal Caribbean prepares to unveil its next Icon Class 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.
As the President of Royal Caribbean, I have had the privilege of exploring the stunning Caribbean islands and experiencing the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes that make this region a top destination for travelers worldwide. From the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas to the lush rainforests of Jamaica, each island offers its own unique charm and allure.
One of the highlights of Caribbean tourism is the opportunity to embark on unforgettable cruises that allow guests to visit multiple islands in one trip, all while enjoying luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and exciting onboard entertainment. Royal Caribbean is proud to offer an array of itineraries that showcase the best of the Caribbean, from popular ports of call like St. Thomas and Cozumel to hidden gems like St. Kitts and Antigua.
In addition to the stunning scenery and endless activities, Caribbean tourism also provides a chance to connect with the local communities and learn about the rich history and traditions of each island. Whether it’s sampling authentic Caribbean cuisine, shopping for handmade crafts at local markets, or participating in cultural festivals and events, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean.
As the President of Royal Caribbean, I am committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices that preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Caribbean for future generations to enjoy. By working closely with local governments and organizations, we strive to minimize our environmental impact, support local businesses, and give back to the communities that welcome us with open arms.
I invite you to join us on a journey through the Caribbean, where adventure and relaxation await at every turn. Whether you’re looking to unwind on pristine beaches, explore historic landmarks, or simply soak up the sun with a tropical cocktail in hand, the Caribbean has something for everyone. Come sail away with Royal Caribbean and experience the magic of the Caribbean for yourself.
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Caribbean tourism, Royal Caribbean, travel destinations, vacation planning, cruise industry, Caribbean travel tips, cruise vacations, Caribbean adventure, luxury travel, President of Royal Caribbean, Caribbean cruise experience
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