Guyana to host cruise master class at SOTIC 2026

The Caribbean Tourism Organization will stage a Cruise Master Class in Guyana during SOTIC 2026, with FCCA CEO Michele Paige headlining a session aimed at building cruise tourism capacity and partnerships. The event underscores Guyana’s push to become an emerging cruise destination as the country hosts CTO’s flagship conference for the first time.

Why it matters: - Guyana is trying to turn cruise tourism into a new growth engine for the country’s broader tourism sector. - The master class is designed to help destination leaders understand what cruise lines expect and what is needed to compete for business. - The session could shape how Guyana and other Caribbean destinations build more sustainable local value from cruise calls.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization, in collaboration with Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, will host a special Cruise Master Class during the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Guyana from Oct. 5-9, 2026. - The session is titled “Maximizing Destination Value through Cruise Tourism.” - Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, will headline the initiative in Georgetown. - The conference theme is “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.” - Guyana will host CTO’s flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference for the first time.

The details: - The master class is aimed at tourism officials, private-sector stakeholders and other participants. - The session will cover destination readiness, product development, shore experiences, service excellence, cruise line expectations and sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. - Norris Clement, CTO’s deputy director of professional services, said the class is meant to build the skills, knowledge and institutional capacity needed for long-term tourism gains. - Clement said the effort is about helping Guyana and the wider Caribbean approach cruise tourism strategically, sustainably and competitively. - The Cruise Master Class aligns with CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025-2027. - The initiative also supports CTO’s Cruise, Yachting and Ferry Committee, which focuses on stronger engagement between Caribbean destinations and the cruise sector. - Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence will be represented in Guyana by founder Beth Hatt and Ambra Attus, director of impact, development and growth. - Aquila says it brings more than 35 years of experience through Aquila Tours and its Living Lab in Saint John, New Brunswick. - The organization provides training and development programs for destinations, tour companies, tour guides and front-line operators. - Aquila is a CTO Allied Member. - Registration information is available here. - CTO describes itself as the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, headquartered in Barbados.

Between the lines: - Guyana’s natural environment, cultural diversity and adventure tourism product give the country a different pitch from the Caribbean’s established island cruise ports. - The master class reflects a broader push to move beyond counting ship visits and focus on where value is created locally. - The emphasis on readiness, partnerships and workforce capability suggests Guyana is still in the early stages of building a cruise offering.

What’s next: - CTO and Aquila will use the Georgetown session to help stakeholders assess opportunities, requirements and partnerships for a competitive cruise product. - The conference will bring together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, industry specialists, media and other regional and international stakeholders. - Organizers expect the discussion to support Guyana’s cruise tourism planning and broader regional marine tourism development.

The bottom line: - Guyana is using SOTIC 2026 to make a case that cruise tourism can become part of its long-term tourism strategy, not just an occasional ship stop.