Caribbean tourism leaders delivered a clear message at one of the world’s largest travel trade gatherings: climate adaptation in the tourism industry must move from debate to funded action.
to ITB Berlin 2026The officials Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Financing pathways for adaptation projects remain slow and fragmented, while destinations across the region remain highly exposed to climate impacts, global tourism stakeholders were told.
The conversation took place on a panel titled: “Tourism’s Climate Adaptation Gap: From Risk to Resilience,” CTO Secretary General and CEO Donna Regis-Prosper Caribbean destinations are already experiencing the consequences of extreme weather events, he said.
“There’s no better teacher than real-life experience,” Regis-Prosper said, recalling the region’s recurring destructive hurricanes.
Her message focused on the need to move beyond policy frameworks and climate discussions to practical implementation, particularly projects that strengthen tourism resilience across small island economies in the Caribbean.
From climate risks to real projects
The Caribbean remains one of the most tourism-dependent regions in the world, with much of its economy tied to the health of its beaches, coral reefs and coastal infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Sustainable Tourism Narendra Ramgoolam He said climate impacts are already shaping tourism conditions across the region.
“When we talk about climate risk, we see it and feel it more than others,” Ramgulam said in a separate ITB session. “These ideas will transform tourism.”
He pointed out the following problems: Coral reef degradation and beach erosionBoth are increasingly visible across Caribbean destinations and have a direct impact on visitor experiences and local livelihoods.
Ramgulam also highlighted the structural challenges facing many small island states. That means translating climate priorities into projects that can actually receive funding.
“There is no shortage of climate risk information or project ideas across the Caribbean,” he said. “What we continue to struggle with is translating these priorities into financial projects that can actually move forward.”
He said these challenges highlight the need for new financing models and stronger partnerships that can translate climate plans into real infrastructure and conservation actions.
Renewed Partnership on Sustainable Tourism
One of ITB Berlin’s key developments has been the renewal of partnerships with: Caribbean Tourism Board and Travel FoundationIt aims to accelerate sustainable tourism initiatives across the region.
updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signed by Regis-Prosper Jeremy SampsonTravel Foundation CEO.
The agreement expands collaboration between the two organizations on climate resilience, destination management and community-driven tourism strategies.
Sampson said the Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate impacts positions the region as a region that can lead innovation in sustainable tourism.
“The Caribbean is at the forefront of climate change, but it is also at the forefront of innovation,” Sampson said. “This partnership is based on the shared belief that the future competitiveness of Caribbean tourism depends on its ability to deliver equitable benefits to local communities while adapting to the growing impacts of climate change.”
The collaboration is designed to help align climate action strategies with tourism plans while identifying funding pathways that can support adaptation projects across CTO member countries.
Supports CTO reimagining initiatives
Regis-Prosper said the renewed partnership is also consistent with the CTO’s goals. reimagine the planIt is an initiative designed to strengthen long-term sustainability and resilience across Caribbean tourism.
“Through this collaboration, we will work with Member States and partners to advance a shared regional approach that strengthens resilience, enhances community benefits and ensures the tourism sector can remain competitive in a changing climate,” she said.
These efforts reflect a broader shift in regional tourism planning toward integrating environmental resilience into destination development strategies.
ITB’s integrated Caribbean presence
The CTO maintained a strong presence throughout the company. 3-day ITB Berlin conventionis one of the largest global travel trade fairs, hosting meetings with industry partners and international stakeholders.
Representatives from across the Caribbean met with tourism leaders, investors and policy groups under a unified regional banner, focusing discussions on sustainable tourism, regenerative travel models and climate resilience.
The message from Berlin to Caribbean tourism leaders was clear. The region already understands the risks of climate change.
The next step, they said, is to ensure that adaptation strategies move from reports and policy discussions into funded projects that can protect the Caribbean’s tourism economy for decades to come.
