Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Dr. Kishore Shallow, is representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Caribbean Week in New York 2026, marking his first participation in one of the region’s most influential tourism gatherings.
The week-long event, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), opened on June 1 in Manhattan under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences”. It brings together tourism ministers, commissioners, airlines, investors, development partners and international media to discuss the future of Caribbean tourism.
Government officials say Dr. Shallow’s participation represents an important opportunity to strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ visibility within the international tourism marketplace while advancing the country’s long-term tourism development agenda.
The Minister is expected to use the platform to promote St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier Caribbean destination and to engage directly with key tourism stakeholders, including airlines, tour operators and travel industry representatives.
Officials believe the engagements could help support efforts to expand airlift, increase visitor arrivals and improve access to key tourism markets.
During the event, Dr. Shallow will also showcase the country’s tourism offerings, including its cultural heritage, natural attractions, yachting industry and growing eco-tourism sector.
Supporting the delegation is Richard MacLeish, Director of Sales (USA) for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority. MacLeish is also scheduled to participate as a speaker during the week’s activities.
In addition to destination marketing, the Vincentian delegation will contribute to discussions on sustainability, tourism resilience and innovation—topics that have become increasingly important as Caribbean nations navigate climate change, evolving travel trends and global economic uncertainty.
Dr. Shallow is also expected to participate in high-level meetings, including the CTO Ministerial Council Meeting, where regional leaders will discuss airlift expansion, tourism marketing strategies and the integration of technology within the tourism sector.
The Ministry of Tourism said participation in Caribbean Week forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to ensure St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains competitive and fully engaged in regional and international tourism networks.
Officials added that the event is expected to generate new partnerships, strengthen regional collaboration and create opportunities that can contribute to sustainable economic growth through tourism.