The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has urged immediate climate action and financing to protect the region’s tourism-dependent economies from climate change. Speaking at ITB Berlin 2025, CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized the need for sustainability initiatives and accessible funding for small island nations facing rising sea levels and extreme weather. 

Tourism is the economic backbone of the Caribbean, with some nations deriving up to 80% of GDP from the sector. Despite green tourism efforts, including circular economy initiatives and single-use plastic regulations, Regis-Prosper highlighted limited climate financing as a key barrier to achieving a carbon neutral strategy. 

“Faith without works is dead. We have faith in the Caribbean, and we are ready to work. But access to financing is how you actually get to work,” she stated, referencing Caribbean engagement at COP29 in Baku last year. 

Joining Regis-Prosper on the “From Promise to Progress” panel were industry leaders from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), European Commission, NECSTouR, and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. The discussion focused on climate resilience, emissions reductions, and sustainable tourism financing. 

Virginia Messina from WTTC noted that while over 50% of top tourism companies now have climate goals, stronger action is needed. Glen Mandziuk from the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance called for real-time sustainability data and standardized reporting metrics. EU Policy Officer for Tourism, Misa Labarille, announced that Europe’s first tourism sustainability strategy will launch in 2026. John Fitzgibbon from NECSTouR stressed the importance of local involvement in EU sustainability policies. 

At the close of the panel, each expert defined the future of tourism in one word. Regis-Prosper chose “Reimagine,” emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with climate responsibility. With over 100,000 global attendees, ITB Berlin 2025 reinforced the critical role of sustainable tourism in advancing global ESG initiatives. 

Sources: 

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/caribbean-tourism-leader-calls-for-urgent-climate-action-financing-at-itb-berlin-2025/  

https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/cto-secretary-general-highlights-urgent-need-for-climate-action-at-itb-berl/