From sargassum to the blue economy: a sustainable opportunity for the Greater Caribbean In recent years, widespread sargassum blooms have become a growing concern in the Greater Caribbean. Once a symbol of marine biodiversity on the high seas, this macroalgae now covers beaches from Barbados to Mexico, threatening tourism, livelihoods, ecosystems, and, crucially, public health. As climate change warms the oceans and alters nutrient flows in rivers like the Amazon, sargassum thrives. However, when it reaches the coast and begins to decompose, it emits toxic gases, primarily hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, posing increasing risks to human health, in addition to having a significant impact on tourism in the region. In recent years, communities across the region have reported spikes in respiratory illnesses, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In Martinique and Guadeloupe, studies have linked chronic exposure to [...]

Caribbean ports host Second Annual Cruise Connect Conference Antigua Cruise Port and Saint Lucia Cruise Port, subsidiaries of Global Ports Holding (GPH), have announced the launch of the second annual Cruise Connect conference. The Eastern Caribbean forum is scheduled for September 16 in Antigua and September 18 in Saint Lucia and will be held at Royalton Antigua, Five Islands Village. Antigua Cruise Port said in a press release that Cruise Connect 2025 aims to convene cruise line executives, government leaders, tourism officials, port operators and industry stakeholders. The forum will highlight infrastructure developments, strategic growth initiatives, sustainability priorities and market insights for the 2025-26 cruise season. Lancelot Arnold, regional director of GPH Eastern Caribbean and general manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, said: “Cruise Connect 2025 is more than a forum. It is a catalyst for progress across the region.” “By bringing together government leaders, cruise executives and community partners, we [...]

Accessible Tourism is no longer a niche Accessible tourism has burst beyond the margins to become one of the fastest-growing and most influential sectors in the global travel industry. This is the key insight from the latest TUR4all Travel Accessible Tourism Trends Report, released today by TUR4all Travel, the world’s leading platform dedicated to fully accessible travel experiences and a purpose-driven agency that reinvests 100% of its profits into improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. With over 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities and a rapidly aging global population, accessible tourism is not just a social responsibility—it is an economic opportunity,” said Miguel Carrasco, COO at TUR4all Travel. The report reveals how destinations that prioritize universal design and inclusive services are not only meeting essential social needs but also capturing a loyal, high-spending traveler segment eager for barrier-free journeys. Spain emerges as a clear frontrunner in this [...]

Cuba ready for Canadian Winter Travelers We caught up with Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, during the Canadian Meetings and Event Expo 2025 in Toronto. Now in his sixth year leading Cuba’s tourism efforts in Canada, Gomez has helped support the expansion of direct flights from over 30 Canadian gateways to Cuba’s 10 international airports. His unique perspective is shaped by his early career in Cayo Coco’s hotels—experience that grounds his understanding of what Canadian travelers actually want. As Canadians increasingly explore beyond their traditional winter destinations this year, Cuba has been systematically upgrading its tourism infrastructure with new upscale properties and enhanced culinary programs. The timing of these improvements, combined with new air routes launching this December, positions Cuba perfectly for the upcoming winter travel season and beyond. The Canadian-Cuban Connection Q: Canada has historically been Cuba’s largest source market. What’s driving the renewed interest you’re seeing [...]