Caribbean Tourism Organization Takes Center Stage at UNESCO’s World Tourism Event in Italy, Championing Cultural Tourism and Building Powerful Global Partnerships

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization highlighted cultural tourism at UNESCO’s World Tourism Event in Italy, promoting regional heritage and forging global partnerships.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) highlighted the significance of cultural tourism during the 15th World Tourism Event (WTE) in Genoa, Italy. Held last month, the event was organized by UNESCO’s Transcultura program under the theme “Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean, and the European Union through Culture and Creativity.”

Ramgulam emphasized that cultural tourism plays a key role in preserving local traditions and strengthening community identities. It also contributes to sustainable development by expanding tourism options in the Caribbean, reducing dependency on traditional sun-and-sea tourism. This diversification helps distribute the economic benefits across more regions, promoting inclusivity and resilience.

The WTE, a renowned global gathering, brought together tourism leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to focus on developing sustainable heritage tourism products. The Caribbean region, as part of UNESCO’s Transcultura initiative funded by the European Union, was prominently featured. A special stand showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage and World Heritage sites.

Ramgulam participated in a panel discussion alongside former CTO Sustainable Tourism Specialist Amanda Charles. Together, they explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable cultural tourism in the Caribbean.

The event also served as a valuable networking opportunity with UNESCO officials and global tourism leaders. Ramgulam’s presentation was well-received, and UNESCO has expressed interest in further collaboration with the CTO, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in promoting sustainable tourism.