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Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s director of research, emphasized the importance of research that reflects the region’s circumstances. “We need research that reflects the realities of the Caribbean — research that is grounded in our destinations, our communities and our particular challenges and opportunities,” Shakeer said.
“That is what we hope this award will help encourage: high-quality research and analysis that not only contributes to knowledge, but can also inform policy, planning, investment and decision-making across our tourism sector,” she added.
The award supports the Tourism Intelligence pillar of CTO’s Reimagine Plan, which seeks to strengthen the organization’s role as a center for tourism intelligence and encourage greater use of research, data and analysis across the region. It recognizes individuals, institutions and firms whose work contributes to tourism competitiveness, sustainability, resilience and people development.
The initiative grew out of a proposal by CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper ahead of SOTIC 2025 in Barbados. CTO subsequently developed the award with support from the Caribbean Tourism Researchers Network, which operates under the International Tourism Studies Association, including assistance with the evaluation criteria.
Four independent evaluators assessed the submissions: Dr. Hugues Séraphin, Dr. Mechelle N. Best, Dr. Pauline A. Milwood and Dr. Therez B. Walker. CTO did not evaluate or score the entries, and each evaluator worked independently without knowing the identities of the others.
This year’s SOTIC also marked the launch of the Caribbean Tourism Research Forum, bringing researchers, policymakers and tourism practitioners together to explore research relevant to the sector’s future. Shakeer said CTO hopes to strengthen connections between the forum and the award, including opportunities for researchers to present their work at future editions.
“Ultimately, our ambition is bigger than one award or one forum. It is to help build a stronger and more connected Caribbean tourism research community — one where research is shared, where evidence informs decisions, and where the knowledge generated across our region helps us shape a more competitive, sustainable and resilient Caribbean tourism sector,” Shakeer said.
SOTIC 2026 was supported by official conference partners Amadeus and the Inter-American Development Bank, Tourism Intelligence Awards sponsor ASM Global Route Development, contributing sponsors the Association of Value Airlines, Digicel Business and Atlantic Suites Hotel, Youth Congress sponsor Carnival Corporation, and official airline partner interCaribbean Airways.
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