Indigenous Tourism Trailblazer Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM to Keynote CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize

Belize City, Belize – February 27, 2026 — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced that Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM, Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT), will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026).

Themed “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies,” the conference will run from April 27-30, 2026, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, offering a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore integrated, sustainable tourism solutions.

A Global Voice for Indigenous-Led Tourism

Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan is globally recognized for advancing indigenous-led tourism. Since 2009, she has championed a values-based model that positions cultural identity, community well-being, and environmental stewardship at the heart of economic success. Her leadership has transformed Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism sector, embedding Māori values of guardianship and intergenerational sustainability into national tourism frameworks.

Her keynote at STC 2026 symbolizes the growing connections between the Caribbean and Māori approaches to tourism, highlighting the emerging “purple economy”, where cultural integrity, social cohesion, and inclusive growth converge.

“We are honored to welcome Dame Pania to the Caribbean stage at such a pivotal time for our industry,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO. “Her pioneering work in ‘culturalizing commerce’ aligns seamlessly with our ‘Tourism in Full Color’ vision. Dame Pania’s insights will inspire us to embrace integrated models that honor heritage while safeguarding our environmental and economic future.”

Tourism in Full Color

The 17th edition of STC, hosted in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, moves beyond conventional sustainability silos to explore the interplay among critical economic pillars:

• Blue and Green Economies – advancing marine conservation, climate resilience, and low-carbon growth.
• Orange Economy – harnessing the creative and cultural potential of the region’s heritage industries.
• Beyond Economies (including Purple) – prioritizing indigenous knowledge, social cohesion, and regenerative prosperity.

“As a nation where indigenous heritage and natural landscapes define who we are, Belize is proud to host STC 2026,” said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations. “From the enduring legacy of the ancient Maya to the UNESCO-recognized Garifuna traditions, and from our forests to the Barrier Reef, our story reflects the resilience of these communities and the lands they have long cared for. Welcoming global leaders like Dame Pania underscores that indigenous wisdom is not only part of our past but a blueprint for a sustainable future.”

Tourism in Full Color

The 17th edition of STC, hosted in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, moves beyond conventional sustainability silos to explore the interplay among critical economic pillars:

• Blue and Green Economies – advancing marine conservation, climate resilience, and low-carbon growth.
• Orange Economy – harnessing the creative and cultural potential of the region’s heritage industries.
• Beyond Economies (including Purple) – prioritizing indigenous knowledge, social cohesion, and regenerative prosperity.

“As a nation where indigenous heritage and natural landscapes define who we are, Belize is proud to host STC 2026,” said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations. “From the enduring legacy of the ancient Maya to the UNESCO-recognized Garifuna traditions, and from our forests to the Barrier Reef, our story reflects the resilience of these communities and the lands they have long cared for. Welcoming global leaders like Dame Pania underscores that indigenous wisdom is not only part of our past but a blueprint for a sustainable future.”

A Legacy of Leadership

With over 30 years of experience, Dame Pania has earned numerous accolades:

• Named among the Top 50 Global Tourism Innovators (2021)
• Inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame (2022)
• Appointed Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2024) for services to Māori and business

Her presence at STC 2026 offers a unique opportunity for delegates to engage with cutting-edge practices in sustainable, indigenous-led tourism, providing inspiration for integrating culture, community, and environment into tourism development.

Travel & Experience Belize

Delegates attending STC 2026 can experience Belize’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich indigenous heritage beyond the conference halls. Highlights include:

• Ambergris Caye & Hol Chan Marine Reserve – Snorkel or dive among Belize’s renowned coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
• Ancient Maya Sites – Explore iconic archaeological sites such as Altun Ha and Lamanai, where history comes alive.
• Garifuna Cultural Experiences – Enjoy drumming, dance, and cuisine from Belize’s vibrant Garifuna communities.
• Rainforest Adventures – Zipline through lush forests, hike pristine trails, or visit wildlife sanctuaries that showcase Belize’s rich biodiversity.
• Local Cuisine & Markets – Taste fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes while exploring local artisan markets.

This combination of professional development and immersive travel experiences makes STC 2026 a unique opportunity to witness sustainable tourism in action while enjoying one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque destinations.

A Legacy of Leadership

With over 30 years of experience, Dame Pania has earned numerous accolades:

• Named among the Top 50 Global Tourism Innovators (2021)
• Inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame (2022)
• Appointed Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2024) for services to Māori and business

Her presence at STC 2026 offers a unique opportunity for delegates to engage with cutting-edge practices in sustainable, indigenous-led tourism, providing inspiration for integrating culture, community, and environment into tourism development.

Conference Highlights

Over four days, STC 2026 will feature:

• Ministerial roundtables addressing policy innovation
• Masterclasses led by global tourism experts
• Field-based learning experiences offering hands-on insights into Belize’s sustainable tourism initiatives

Delegates will gain firsthand exposure to practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, a cornerstone of the conference’s vision for a regenerative tourism economy.

Registration for STC 2026 is now open, inviting tourism professionals, policymakers, investors, and indigenous leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to participate in this transformative dialogue.

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