Anguilla has been selected to host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s inaugural Sports Tourism Summit, scheduled for August 12–14, 2027, the CTO announced during its State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Georgetown, Guyana.
Summit Focus and Participants
The summit will convene tourism and sports officials, event organizers, athletes, sports organizations, destination marketers, private-sector partners and other stakeholders to create a regional platform addressing sports, tourism and economic growth.
It will be held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” with the objective of exploring how sporting events and experiences can enhance tourism, strengthen destination brands, stimulate economic activity and generate opportunities for
local communities across the Caribbean.
CTO Leadership Highlights Sports Tourism Potential
CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized the role of sports as a vital connector in the Caribbean. She said, “Sports is one of the most powerful connectors we have in the Caribbean, and its potential as a driver of tourism deserves greater regional attention.” Regis-Prosper added the summit will provide destinations a platform to exchange ideas, foster partnerships and strategically examine sports tourism’s contribution to growth and community benefits.
Anguilla’s Sports Tourism Ambitions and Ecosystem
Anguilla’s Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, Cardigan Connor, a former first-class cricketer, stated that hosting the summit aligns with the island’s goal to expand
its footprint in Caribbean sports tourism. He pointed to Anguilla’s increasing sports presence, highlighting its established tennis culture and rising reputation in golf as fundamental to this effort.
Connor noted, “Anguilla sees tremendous potential at the intersection of sports and tourism, not only to attract visitors and generate economic activity, but also to provide pathways to training, international exposure, scholarships and careers for young Anguillians and Caribbean nationals.” He also linked sports tourism to community and health initiatives, including fundraising opportunities.
Integration with Broader Tourism Strategy
Jameel Rochester, Director of Tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, described sports tourism as a strategy to create additional
reasons for visitors to choose Anguilla while exposing them to the destination’s accommodations, restaurants, beaches, culture and people. He stated, “The summit allows us to demonstrate that a small destination can develop distinctive experiences, build smart partnerships and deliver the high level of hospitality for which Anguilla is known.”
Anguilla’s sports tourism development complements its existing niche markets, including luxury leisure, culinary experiences and wellness tourism.
Future Details on Summit
Further information about the summit’s venue, program, speakers, and registration will be released in the coming months.
