‘Sustainability is our currency,’ said Regis-Prosper, noting the region's deep economic dependence on tourism. ‘At least eight of the ten most tourism-dependent nations in the world are in the Caribbean. In some of our destinations, up to 80 per cent of GDP comes from tourism,’ he explained. This economic dependence makes the Caribbean one of the regions most susceptible to disruptions caused by climate change, highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable measures.
Despite progress made in areas such as community-based tourism, the circular economy and the implementation of strict regulations on single-use plastics, Regis-Prosper noted that access to finance remains a significant challenge. ‘There is a saying that faith without works is dead. In the Caribbean we have faith, we are willing to work, we are hardworking people, but the gap is in access to finance. And that is how progress is made,’ he emphasised, recalling the Caribbean's active participation in COP29 in Baku last year.
The panel was moderated by Professor Willy Legrand of the IU International University of Applied Sciences and Heleri Rande of Think Hospitality. Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President of WTTC, noted that more than half of the world's leading travel and tourism companies have made clear climate commitments, although she acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Glen Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, called for the global adoption of standardised metrics to measure sustainability, highlighting the importance of transparent and verifiable real-time data. Misa Labarille, EU tourism policy officer, announced the launch of a tourism sustainability strategy in 2026, underlining that the European Commission prioritises tourism in the midst of global challenges.
At the conclusion of the debate, the panellists chose a key word to define the future of tourism in 2025. Regis-Prosper selected ‘reimagine’, reflecting his call for a renewed approach that balances economic growth and climate responsibility. Other words chosen were ‘together’ (Messina), ‘innovation’ (Mandziuk), ‘smart’ (Labarille) and ‘opportunity’ (Fitzgibbon).
ITB Berlin 2025, which welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, with an international participation of 87%, reaffirmed the key role of tourism in building a sustainable future. This event served as a platform for leaders and experts to discuss and outline strategies that integrate sustainability into the core of the tourism industry, recognising that climate change is a real and present threat that requires immediate and coordinated action.
The Caribbean, with its natural and cultural richness, is uniquely positioned to lead initiatives that combine environmental protection with economic development. The vision of the CTO and leaders like Dona Regis-Prosper is critical to guide the region towards a resilient and sustainable tourism model that not only benefits current generations, but also preserves natural resources and beauty for the future.
International collaboration, access to adequate financing and the implementation of innovative and sustainable policies are essential pillars to address the challenges that climate change imposes on the tourism sector. The global community must unite in this effort, recognising that the protection of destinations such as the Caribbean is a shared responsibility that transcends borders and benefits all of humanity.
The active participation and leadership of the Caribbean in international forums such as ITB Berlin is crucial to ensure that the voices of the regions most vulnerable to climate change are heard and considered in global decision-making. Climate action is not an option, but an imperative necessity to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of tourism in the Caribbean and around the world.
