Belize has always been a leader in conservation. In 2026, Belize took center stage on sustainability and sustainable tourism. From April 27–30, 2026, Belize proudly hosted the 17th Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026) in the vibrant town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
This event not only highlights Belize’s commitment to sustainable tourism but also underscores its growing prominence as a global destination for eco-conscious travelers, investors, and expatriates alike. As a country renowned for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class diving spots, Belize is the perfect stage for discussing sustainable practices that balance tourism growth with environmental preservation.
The CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Caribbean and beyond. It serves as a platform to share innovative strategies, foster collaboration, and promote a unified vision for sustainable tourism development. Hosting this event is a significant achievement for Belize, as it positions the nation as a leader in eco-tourism while showcasing its unique offerings to a global audience. From the Belize Barrier Reef to lush rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins, attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand why Belize is a model for sustainable tourism.
For Belize, hosting this prestigious conference is more than an honor—it’s a statement. It reflects the country’s commitment to responsible development, environmental stewardship, and forward-thinking tourism strategies that balance growth with preservation.
Belize in Sustainable Tourism
When the leaders of Caribbean tourism choose Belize as their home base for the year, it sends a clear signal to the world: Belize is the destination for responsible investment. The CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference is the Caribbean’s premier forum dedicated to advancing sustainability in tourism. Organized by the CTO in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board.
Throughout the conference, delegates explored innovative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including climate resilience, community-based tourism, and sustainable investment models. The event also served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the development of strategic partnerships that will shape the future of Caribbean tourism.
Why Belize?
Belize is uniquely positioned as a model for sustainable tourism. With the world’s second-largest barrier reef, vast protected jungles, and a strong emphasis on eco-tourism, the country has long championed conservation-driven development.
Hosting STC 2026 underscores Belize’s leadership in the region and highlights its ability to convene global stakeholders around meaningful, future-focused conversations. It also reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a destination where tourism supports both economic growth and environmental preservation.
Dustin Rennie Named CTO Allied Member
We are also thrilled to share some exciting news from our own team. Our Regional Director, Dustin Rennie, has been officially named an Allied Member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
This appointment is a significant milestone, as it bridges the gap between the real estate sector and the broader tourism industry. As an Allied Member, Dustin Rennie represents the private sector’s voice in regional policy discussions, ensuring that sustainable development remains a core pillar of Belize’s growth.
This recognition places Dustin among a select group of private-sector leaders advancing tourism across the Caribbean. The CTO includes not only member countries but also allied members—organizations and professionals who provide services and expertise that support the region’s tourism industry.
Dustin Rennie with Donna Regis Prosper CTO Sustainable Awards Member
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Dustin has been named an allied member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), a testament to his dedication to promoting Belize as a premier destination for both tourism and Belize real estate investment. This honor reflects his commitment to aligning the goals of sustainable tourism with responsible real estate development.
As a leader in the Belize real estate market, Dustin Rennie understands the importance of preserving the country’s natural beauty while fostering growth and opportunity. Their work emphasizes sustainable development practices that respect the environment, culture, and communities of Belize. This approach not only benefits the local population but also ensures that Belize remains an attractive destination for years to come.
“Being part of the CTO allows us to align our real estate goals with the long-term vision for a resilient Caribbean. It’s about more than just selling property; it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem where investors and locals both thrive.”
Hosting the CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 marks a defining moment for Belize. It not only reinforces the country’s leadership in sustainable tourism but also opens new doors for investment, innovation, and global collaboration.
When the leaders of Caribbean tourism choose Belize as their home base for the year, it sends a clear signal to the world: Belize is the destination for responsible investment.
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege Represent Belize at the CAF Economic Forum
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege Represent Belize at the International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean 2026, organized by CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) in Panama.
The International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean 2026, organized by CAF—Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, is a high-level event that brings together business leaders, influential figures, and decision-makers to reflect on the region’s most pressing challenges and, through dialogue, develop solutions that promote growth, inclusion, and competitiveness.
The forum focused on solutions to pressing regional issues, including economic growth, inclusion, competitiveness, innovation, energy transition, digital transformation, and geopolitics.
Attendees include heads of state, government authorities, business leaders, investors, multilateral organizations, and experts. Positioning Latin America and the Caribbean as a dynamic, innovative region capable of offering solutions to global challenges.
The forum functions much like a “Davos for Latin America and the Caribbean”, providing a global stage for the region to chart its economic and development path. By facilitating dialogue across governments, the private sector, and civil society, the forum helps align strategies for inclusive and sustainable development.
This event provided an invaluable opportunity for Belize to engage with other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Focusing on regional cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege’s participation at the International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean 2026 represents a milestone in Belize’s journey toward economic growth and global recognition.
Belize at the International Economic Forum
Belize continues to strengthen its presence on the global stage. Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege recently attended the highly anticipated International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean 2026. Organized by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America, this forum brought together influential leaders, policymakers, economists, and business professionals to discuss the future of the region’s economic growth and development.
Belize continues to strengthen its voice in regional and global economic conversations, and this momentum was on full display at the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean.
Among the attendees were Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege, both representing Belize at one of the region’s most influential economic gatherings.
The International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean, organized by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, is a high-level annual forum designed to bring together leaders, policymakers, business executives, investors, and experts to discuss economic, social, and geopolitical challenges and opportunities facing Latin America and the Caribbean.
Beyond the formal agenda, the forum provided valuable opportunities for bilateral engagement and relationship-building among policymakers, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders.
Belize on the Global Stage
Informal discussions explored how smaller economies and international financial centers can better integrate into regional value chains, attract diversified investment, and leverage technology to overcome structural constraints.
For Belize, the forum underscored the growing relevance of sound financial governance, sustainable tourism investment, and digital financial services in supporting long-term economic stability. As regional capitals increasingly seek jurisdictions that offer transparency, resilience, and innovation, Belize’s role as a well-regulated international banking and investment hub continues to gain attention.
As a bridge between Central America (SICA) and the Caribbean (CARICOM), Belize occupies a unique strategic position. Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege were invited by CAF to attend the forum, representing the private sector in Belize. Rennie’s focus in Panama was on how large-scale infrastructure funding from CAF can elevate the Belizean infrastructure development.
“The capital moving through CAF is looking for ‘Impact,'” Rennie explained. “Belize is the proof of concept the region needs. For connectivity, sustainability, and investment potential.”
The participation of Belize-based institutions at this landmark forum reflects a broader commitment to proactive regional engagement and thought leadership, ensuring that Belize remains aligned with evolving global standards, investor expectations, and development priorities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Why the CAF Forum Matters
CAF plays a central role in financing infrastructure, promoting private sector development, and advancing sustainable growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. The event and CAF participation are designed to bring practical collaboration, aligning governments and the private sector around shared regional priorities such as:
Sustainable development and climate resilience
Foreign direct investment and trade integration
Financial inclusion and capital mobility
Infrastructure, logistics, and digital transformation
In terms of regional growth, Belize is a small but dynamic economy. The International Economic Forum offers access to conversations—and decision-makers—that shape the region’s economic future.
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege Attend the CAF International Economic Forum
Belize was represented at the forum by Dustin Bayne Rennie and Luigi Wewege. Their participation highlighted the growing engagement in regional economic dialogue and Belize’s increasing visibility within international financial and investment circles.
Often described as a “Davos for Latin America and the Caribbean,” the CAF forum brings together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, investors, and development institutions to discuss the future of economic growth, investment, sustainability, and regional integration. For Belize, participation in this forum is not just symbolic—it is strategic.
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege at CAF Forum
Dustin Rennie brought his extensive expertise in real estate development and investment. He emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in tourism and real estate. Rennie shared insights into how Belize is balancing economic growth with sustainable development.
“Being in the room with global decision-makers, influential leaders, and visionary business minds was both humbling and energizing,” said Rennie. “The insights shared by innovators from across the world reinforced my optimism for the continued growth and integration of the Caribbean and Latin America”.
Dustin Rennie also highlighted the region’s optimism, noting that Belize is “moving forward with a renewed focus on facilitating solutions, leveraging broader resources, and adopting a more selfless, creative, and proactive approach to shaping what comes next”.
Luigi Wewege contributed his knowledge of banking innovation and fintech solutions. As a leader in the financial services industry, he addressed how emerging technologies can drive financial inclusion and empower underserved communities. Wewege highlighted how Belize is embracing digital transformation to enhance its financial infrastructure and attract foreign investment. (source)
Belize’s Role within CAF
Belize occupies a unique position within Latin America and the Caribbean. As an English-speaking country with deep ties to CARICOM, Central America, and international financial markets, Belize serves as a bridge economy, connecting regions, cultures, and investment flows.
Belize’s strengths align closely with CAF’s priorities:
Sustainable development leadership, particularly in marine conservation, eco-tourism, and climate finance.
Stable financial and legal frameworks are attractive to international investors.
Strategic geography linking North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Emerging real estate and infrastructure opportunities, especially in tourism, logistics, and residential development.
With the right partnerships, Belize has the potential to leverage CAF not only as a sustainable development financier but as a long-term partner in investment promotion and private-sector expansion.
Belize has long been recognized for its strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and emerging economic development. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in tourism, sustainable development, and financial services. Rennie and Wewege’s attendance at the forum highlighted Belize’s growing influence as a key player in shaping the regional economic landscape.
Belize Private Sector: Dustin Rennie & Luigi Wewege
The presence of Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege at the CAF forum underscores the importance of private-sector leadership in shaping Belize’s economic trajectory.
By engaging directly with CAF leadership, investors, and policymakers, Belizean business leaders help ensure that the country is not merely a recipient of regional policy—but an active contributor to it.
Belize’s participation in forums like CAF signals a broader shift: the country is increasingly positioning itself as a serious, forward-thinking partner in regional development.
As CAF continues to expand its footprint in the Caribbean, Belize has an opportunity to:
Attract infrastructure and development financing.
Increase visibility among institutional investors.
Strengthen public-private partnerships.
Align national growth strategies with regional initiatives.
Dustin Rennie added, “Belize is using sustainable tourism as a climate adaptation, blue economy, and inclusive growth strategy — and CAF is the natural partner to scale it regionally.”
The forum provided an invaluable opportunity for Belize to engage with other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. One key takeaway was the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege’s participation at the International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean 2026 marks another milestone in Belize’s journey toward economic growth and global recognition.
Belize Involvement in the Region
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) continues to position its International Economic Forum in Panama as the emerging “Davos of Latin America,” establishing a high-level platform for regional and global leaders to engage on economic integration, sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term development strategy.
Belize serves as a “bridge” between the English-speaking Caribbean and the Spanish-speaking Central American mainland.
Belize can play a key role in Regional Integration. Member countries and CAF value Belize’s dual membership in both CARICOM and SICA.
As Belize continues to grow, it is clear that the country is poised for a bright future. By engaging in meaningful dialogue with regional partners and leveraging opportunities for collaboration, Belize can play a pivotal role as a bridge between Latin America, Central America (SICA), and the Caribbean (CARICOM).
Dustin Rennie and Luigi Wewege’s attendance at this prestigious forum is a testament to their dedication to advancing the nation’s interests on an international platform. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to continue striving for innovation and growth in Belize.
The conversations at the CAF Forum in Panama are only the beginning—but they reinforce an important message: “Belize belongs at the table, and its private sector is ready to lead”.
