Trinidad and Tobago to host BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference
Published: Apr 27, 2026
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTTI), in partnership with Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL), BirdsCaribbean, and HADCO Experiences, will host the BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference in July 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
The five-day conference will bring together over 300 conservation scientists, wildlife professionals, ecotourism leaders, government agencies, and NGOs from more than 30 countries. This marks the return of this premier biennial bird and biodiversity conference to Trinidad and Tobago for the first time since it was held in Tobago in 2003.
Trinidad and Tobago ranks second globally in bird species richness per square kilometre, with 499 species recorded—the highest in the Caribbean—offering a unique blend of South American and West Indian birdlife.
Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, stated:
“Hosting the BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference reflects our strategic focus on sustainable tourism and economic diversification. Avitourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in global ecotourism, and Trinidad and Tobago is uniquely positioned to lead. This event strengthens our position as a destination that protects nature while creating economic opportunities for our people.”
The global avitourism market is projected to grow from US$66.7 billion in 2024 to US$95.2 billion by 2030. Birdwatchers are among T&T’s highest-value visitors, spending US$500–US$850 per day—significantly above the national daily average of US$122 (Central Statistical Office).
Unlike mass tourism, avitourism requires relatively low infrastructure investment and delivers direct benefits to local communities, including tour guides, small accommodations, restaurants, and artisan vendors.
Conference activities will include pre-, mid-, post-conference field trips to key birding sites across both Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, noted:
“Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most anticipated destinations in our conference’s history. Its exceptional bird diversity and strong conservation community make it the ideal host for our 25th anniversary conference.”
The conference will also address regional conservation priorities. Across the Caribbean, over 52 bird species are listed as threatened, including the Critically Endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan, which is endemic to Trinidad and Tobago.
This landmark event is expected to advance practical solutions for biodiversity protection while unlocking sustainable economic opportunities through ecotourism. Learn more about the conference and register at birdscaribbeanconference.org.
**ENDS**
About BirdsCaribbean
BirdsCaribbean is a vibrant international network of members and partners committed to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats. We raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve, and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. We are a non-profit membership organization. More than 100,000 people participate in our programmes each year, making BirdsCaribbean the most broad-based conservation organization in the region. Learn more about BirdsCaribbean’s work, and how to join at: www.birdscaribbean.org.
For more information, please contact:
Christel Mohammed
Communications Manager
BirdsCaribbean