UB Brings Tourism Leaders and Future Professionals Together to Strengthen Industry’s Future
20th October 2026
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – As The Bahamas’ cruise tourism industry expands and adapts to emerging technologies, sustainability demands and changing traveller expectations, University of The Bahamas (UB) is strengthening the connections between education and industry to prepare aspiring professionals to lead the sector’s future.
Director General of Tourism Jackson Weech said the global tourism landscape is transforming, sparked by technology, a heightened demand for sustainability and the growing importance of talent development, as he delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony for UB’s Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management (THeCALM) Week, 2026, on Monday, 19th October.
Mr. Weech drew a direct link between the human capital and growth in the sector that has primarily fueled the nation’s economic growth.
“Tomorrow’s tourism professionals will be expected to deliver seamless, personalised, and authentic experiences for millions of travellers who demand digital convenience, innovative culinary settings, and meaningful cultural engagement on destinations that demonstrate environmental responsibility by developing a workforce that is adoptable, highly skilled, and professionally versatile,” he said.
By bringing together professionals throughout the cruise tourism, culinary and hospitality sectors, UB is providing a platform for crucial conversations about present realities and the future while connecting UB students with the movers and shakers in the industry. The theme of the week’s activities is “All Aboard: Navigating New Waters, Adapting to and Leading Through Changes in the Cruise Industry.”
In 2025, The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million tourists, including more than 10.6 million cruise passengers. Preliminary figures for the first four months of 2026 indicate that this strong momentum has continued with cruise arrivals surpassing 4.2 million, the director general reported.
Mr. Weech explained that these arrivals represent employment, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities across The Bahamas. He emphasised that the sector’s continued development must create meaningful benefits for Bahamians with a central focus on increasing the pipeline of professionals able to drive growth, innovation and sustainability.
“That is why THeCALM plays such an indispensable role in our national development. Through education, research, and industry engagement, you are preparing the next generation to shape the future of Bahamian tourism,” said Mr. Weech. “We already possess a world-class tourism product strengthened by industry leaders, strategic partnerships, expanding infrastructure, and extraordinary natural assets. What we must continue to cultivate are talented, ambitious, and resilient professionals who will lead the industry into the future.”
Student participation is central to the week’s activities, as they ask questions and exchange ideas with industry leaders in ways that connect classroom learning with industry practices.
UB President Dr. Robert J. Blaine III encouraged students to use these interactions to build relationships and communicate their ambitions.
“Get in front of people. Tell them what you want out of life. Tell them what you are doing. Tell them what you are thinking about because it’s those conversations that lead to opportunities you would never have thought could possibly be in front of you,” Dr. Blaine said.
From 19th to 21st October, discussions will centre on sustainable initiatives, crisis management, security protocols, personalised shore excursions, guests’ culinary experiences and yacht catering. Hospitality and culinary students will also have an opportunity to participate in a Royal Caribbean cruise line’s shipboard event at Nassau Cruise Port.
The programme concludes with a roundtable on industry trends, resilience and the future of cruise operations, followed by a closing reception at Choices Dining Room at UB’s Oakes Field Campus.
Through these activities, THeCALM Week gives students opportunities to engage with the changes shaping cruise tourism and consider their own roles in the industry’s future.
Culinary majors attending the opening ceremony of THeCALM Week held on Monday 19th October, 2026.
Acting Provost and Vice President Dr. Marcella Elliott-Ferguson addresses the audience at the opening ceremony of THeCALM Week.
UB President Dr. Robert Blaine delivered remarks.
Director General of Tourism Mr. Jackson Weech delivers remarks.
From left are: Dean, THeCALM Mr. Mario Adderley; Director General of Tourism, Mr. Jackson Weech; UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III; Acting Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs, Dr. Marcella Elliott-Ferguson; Assistant Provost, Tourism and Hospitality, Dr. Michelle Allen; and Chair, THeCALM, Dr. Ruth Gardiner.
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