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The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at info@marketplaceexcellence.com.

October 5, 2026

SOTIC 2026 begins in Guyana

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 is officially underway in Georgetown, Guyana, welcoming tourism leaders, industry partners, researchers, media, students and other stakeholders from across the Caribbean and beyond.

The conference, which runs through Oct. 9 under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” opens with a full day of activity.

On tap today is the Future Leaders Forum, “From the Classroom to the Caribbean: Conversations with Tourism Leaders,” which takes place from 10-11:30 a.m. The afternoon schedule includes the Cruise Master Class, “Maximizing Destination Value Through Cruise Tourism,” from 1-4 p.m., alongside CTO’s Board of Directors Meeting from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

The opening day sets the tone for a week of discussions, learning and networking focused on the issues shaping Caribbean tourism, including airlift and access, competitiveness, tourism intelligence, technology, investment, sustainability and destination development.

A warm welcome to everyone who has traveled to Guyana for SOTIC 2026 and the conversations ahead. For conference information, visit sotic.onecaribbean.org, and follow CTO across its social media channels for updates throughout the week.

CMEx to honor Caribbean tourism leader Josef Forstmayr

Josef Forstmayr

The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will celebrate veteran hotelier and Caribbean tourism leader Josef Forstmayr as a 2026 leadership laureate at the CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6 at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area.

Forstmayr has been welcoming guests to Round Hill Hotel and Villas since becoming managing director in 1989. Under his leadership, the iconic Jamaican resort has earned numerous international honors including the World Travel Awards’ “Best Villas” title for consecutive years, AAA’s Four Diamond Award of Excellence and the Brass Key Award for “Most Romantic Resort.” Round Hill has also been featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list.

Forstmayr has called Jamaica home since 1979 and has built a distinguished career across the island’s hospitality sector. Before joining Round Hill, he served as assistant manager at Coconut Cove in Negril, resident manager at Tryall Golf and Beach Hotel, and general manager of Trident Villas and Hotel in Port Antonio.

His commitment to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean has extended well beyond hotel operations. In April 2010, Forstmayr was appointed president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), serving through 2012. During his tenure, he championed the importance of tourism to the region through CHTA’s “Tourism Is Key” advocacy campaign.

A longtime advocate for stronger linkages between tourism and local economies, Forstmayr has consistently promoted the use of Caribbean-produced goods, from rum and beer to sauces and agricultural products. He has also supported efforts to elevate Caribbean cuisine through culinary festivals, competitions and other regional initiatives.

Forstmayr currently serves as a director of the Jamaica Tourist Board and chairman of the Montego Bay Arts Council Limited which operates the Montego Bay Cultural Centre. He is also honorary consul-general for the Republic of Austria in Jamaica.

His contributions to Jamaican and Caribbean tourism have been widely recognized. In 2005, he received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his service to the tourism industry. He was named Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Hotelier of the Year in 1993 and 1996, and Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel Association in 2007.

Born in Steyr, Austria, Forstmayr is fluent in German, English and French. His decades of service reflect a career defined by hospitality, regional leadership and an enduring commitment to Jamaica.

The 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is powered by Platinum Sponsor, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism with Anguilla Tourist Board and Carnival Corporation serving as Gold Sponsors.

Major sponsors include The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

Additional sponsors supporting the cause include Coco Palm (St. Lucia), Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas), Fond Doux Eco Resort (St. Lucia), Jade Mountain (St. Lucia), Ladera Resort (St. Lucia), Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort (Grenada), GRUPO PUNTACANA (The Westin Puntacana Resort), Secret Bay (Dominica), The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Tropical Attractions and Vanessa James Media.

Proceeds support educational programs, youth development initiatives and professional training designed to empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism and media leaders.

For more details visit cmexmedia.org.

Karolin Troubetzkoy: Leadership measured by what lasts

Karolin Troubetzkoy

For Karolin Troubetzkoy, being named the 2025 recipient of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award was less a personal milestone than an affirmation of the responsibility tourism leaders carry across the region.

In a profile in CTO’s 2026 edition of From the Sea Suite, Troubetzkoy reflects on a career shaped by collaboration, community engagement and regenerative thinking. She says the recognition reinforced her commitment to destination stewardship, mentorship, succession planning and building institutions that can endure beyond any one leader.

“This moment in my career has reminded me that real impact comes from sustained commitment, collaboration and the willingness to act for the long term — even when the work is not immediately visible or personally attributed,” she said.

Troubetzkoy points to her volunteer leadership in conservation finance and resilience-building as among the work she values most. She stresses that tourism must support healthy ecosystems, livelihoods and climate adaptation rather than place additional strain on destinations.

Looking ahead, her priorities include strengthening regional collaboration around sustainability, conservation finance, education and capacity-building while supporting tourism marketing that reflects the Caribbean’s diversity, resilience and authenticity.

For Troubetzkoy, impact is ultimately measured by what lasts: stronger institutions, empowered teams, protected natural assets and systems that continue delivering value long after leadership changes.

Read Karolin Troubetzkoy’s profile in CTO’s From the Sea Suite: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/301446582

Quotable Caribbean

“Confidence grows through action rather than waiting until you feel ready. Leadership is not about being perfect; it is about being prepared, passionate and willing to stand up even when you are doubtfully nervous.” — Jolé St. John, Regional Junior Minister of Tourism 2025 (Tobago)

When did rest become something we have to earn?

Across Caribbean tourism — from marketing and promotion to sales and leadership — being continuously available can feel like part of the job description. A severe weather event or crisis needs to be managed, a traveler in another time zone requires assistance, there are time-sensitive media requests, clients to reassure, and events to produce. Soon, late-night emails and missed weekends can start to feel like proof that constant availability is essential.

Excellency in tourism calls for energy and dedication, but exhaustion should not be its badge of honor. Rest sharpens judgment, renews creativity and helps professionals show up well for destinations, clients and teams. Running on empty is not proof of commitment, yet for many dedicated professionals, this is their reality.

Health is wealth, especially in an industry that asks people to give so much of themselves. No campaign, sale or event should require sacrificing the well-being that allows individuals to enjoy the life they are working so hard to build.

Rest should be part of the plan not a reward to be earn.

In case you missed it ...

For Caribbean Tourism Authority highlights this week, click below:

Alexandre Ventadour Named Martinique Tourism Commissioner

Anguilla tourism minister calls regional air connectivity an economic lifeline

Anguilla tourism director welcomes TAA expansion in St. Kitts

Caribbean Tourism Organization Marks World Tourism Day 2026

Dressed for Respect: An Old Lesson That Still Travels Well — A column by Basil Springer

Medical Moment

World Sight Day, observed Oct. 8, highlights the need for accessible, affordable eye care. The annual campaign encourages people to #LoveYourEyes and recognize the role vision plays in health, independence and daily life.

More than 1 billion people worldwide lack access to the eye care and treatment they need. Closing this gap remains a global health priority.

This November, Antigua and Barbuda will host the Global Summit for Eye Health. The meeting will focus on the value of vision to individuals, communities and countries, seeking commitments to strengthen eye health services and expand access to care worldwide.



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