CTO emphasizes the importance of cultural tourism at the 15th WTE: Here's what you need to know about

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) emphasized the importance of cultural tourism at the 15th World Tourism Event (WTE) in Genoa, Italy.

Ramgulam further asserted that this type of tourism promotes the preservation of local cultures and strengthens community identity, while also creating opportunities for sustainable development.

Cultural tourism diversifies the Caribbean’s tourism offerings, reduces reliance on traditional sun-and-sea tourism, and spreads the economic benefits across more areas of the region, fostering inclusivity and resilience.

The WTE, a prestigious international event, brought together tourism leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe to focus on the sustainable development of heritage tourism products.

As part of the UNESCO Transcultura initiative, funded by the European Union, the Caribbean region was prominently featured, with a dedicated stand showcasing its unique World Heritage destinations and vibrant regional culture.

Ramgulam represented the Caribbean during a panel discussion alongside former CTO Sustainable Tourism Specialist Amanda Charles. Together, they addressed the challenges and opportunities of sustainable cultural tourism in the Caribbean.

The event also provided an essential platform for networking with UNESCO officials and other tourism leaders.

Ramgulam’s presentation received positive feedback, and UNESCO has expressed interest in inviting the CTO to future events, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism.

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, emphasized the significance of the event: “This experience in Genoa reaffirms our commitment to advancing sustainable cultural tourism in the Caribbean.

Regis-Prosper highlighted that, for the first time, the CTO has presented sustainable heritage tourism strategies in the Caribbean to such an international audience.

This achievement reaffirms CTO’s vital role in promoting the region globally and underscores the value it offers to its members by amplifying their presence on the world stage.