Dr. Auliana Poon to Deliver Keynote at SOTIC 2025
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Dr. Auliana Poon, that internationally renowned tourism strategist and economist, will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, scheduled for September 30 to October 3 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
Dr. Auliana Poon, Economist and Tourism StrategistThe 4-day conference, hosted in collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., SOTIC 2025 will bring together regional tourism ministers, directors, senior executives, and stakeholders to discuss the future of Caribbean tourism under the theme: “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.”
The program will feature high-level panels, research presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities focused on advancing the region’s position as a competitive and sustainable global destination.
Dr. Poon, a Trinidad and Tobago-born, Berlin-trained economist, has worked in more than 40 destinations worldwide, shaping policy, strategy, and competitiveness. She is credited with introducing the concepts of “Old Tourism” and “New Tourism,” developing South Africa’s Responsible Tourism policy, and designing destination strategies for countries such as Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Montserrat, and Mozambique. Her book, Tourism, Technology and Competitive Strategies, is widely regarded as a landmark in global tourism studies.
“The Caribbean stands at a critical juncture — one where research, resilience and relevance must guide our path forward,” Dr. Poon said in a statement. “I am honored to join industry leaders at SOTIC to share insights on how the region can chart bold strategies that ensure tourism is not only competitive, but also sustainable and inclusive for generations to come.”
Among the highlights of SOTIC 2025 will be the CTO’s session “Caribbean Tourism: Trends, Truths and Trajectories”, which will provide data-driven insights into tourism performance, market dynamics, and forecasts. Other sessions will explore airlift expansion, medical and wellness tourism, sports tourism, cruise and stay-over synergies, and new source market opportunities across North America, Latin America, and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).
CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper said Dr. Poon’s keynote will set the stage for a pivotal week of discussions. “Dr. Poon has been a trailblazer in redefining global tourism policy, strategy and practice. Her perspective will inspire our members and partners to think bigger and act smarter as we advance the Caribbean tourism agenda. SOTIC 2025 promises to be a truly transformative event for our region,” Regis-Prosper noted.
The conference will also host the Regional Tourism Youth Congress on October 2, offering a platform for future tourism leaders from across the Caribbean.
