Caribbean tourism leader calls for urgent Climate Action & Financing at ITB Berlin 2025

Caribbean Tourism Leader Calls for Urgent Climate Action & Financing at ITB Berlin 2025

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), has called for immediate climate action and financing to support tourism-dependent Caribbean nations facing severe climate threats.

Speaking at ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world’s largest travel trade shows, Regis-Prosper emphasized the urgent need for sustainability initiatives and financial access for small island economies.

During the panel discussion “From Promise to Progress: Steering Tourism in Challenging Times,” held on the Orange Stage, Regis-Prosper was joined by global tourism leaders from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the European Commission, NECSTouR, and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. The session focused on climate resilience, sustainable tourism policies, and financing mechanisms to protect destinations reliant on tourism revenues.

Caribbean Tourism & Climate Vulnerability

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Caribbean is among the most tourism-dependent regions in the world, with some nations relying on tourism for up to 80% of their GDP. Regis-Prosper described sustainability as the region’s “economic currency” and stressed that while the Caribbean has taken steps toward green tourism, circular economy initiatives, and single-use plastic regulations, the lack of accessible climate financing remains a critical challenge.

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

Global Tourism Leaders on Sustainable Development

Other panelists echoed the need for measurable progress and accountability in green tourism initiatives:

Virginia Messina (WTTC Senior VP of Advocacy & Communications) highlighted that over half of the world’s top tourism companies now have clear climate goals but admitted that more action is needed to reduce emissions.
Glen Mandziuk (CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance) called for standardized metrics and real-time sustainability data to ensure transparent reporting and accountability.
Misa Labarille (EU Policy Officer for Tourism) announced plans for the European Commission’s first-ever dedicated tourism sustainability strategy, set to launch in 2026.
John Fitzgibbon (Managing Director, NECSTouR) stressed the importance of involving local destination management organizations in delivering EU-wide sustainability policies.

A New Vision for Global Tourism

At the session’s conclusion, each panelist selected a defining word for the future of tourism:

Regis-Prosper: “Reimagine” – Advocating for a fresh approach balancing economic growth and climate responsibility.
Messina: “Together” – Calling for collective industry-wide action.
Mandziuk: “Innovation” – Highlighting the role of tech-driven solutions in sustainability.
Labarille: “Smart” – Promoting intelligent policy frameworks for tourism.
Fitzgibbon: “Opportunity” – Emphasizing the economic potential of green tourism.

With over 100,000 visitors (87% international) at ITB Berlin 2025, the event reinforced the critical role of tourism in shaping a sustainable future.

Source: Travel and Tour World