BRIDGETOWN — Airbnb’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, Mikel Freemon, will join a panel on the sharing economy at the CTO-organized State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados. The event takes place Sept. 14 – 16 at the Hilton Barbados.

“The sharing economy is a US$26 billion dollar sector and Airbnb is one of the most successful architects of the accommodation component of this sector, disrupting the traditional hotel industry and raising concern among the incumbent firms,” said Sylma Brown, Director of the CTO’s New York office. “We are delighted to have Airbnb share its success model as we examine this hybrid market model and discuss the challenges, risks and opportunities for the Caribbean tourism sector.”

The sharing economy panel will be moderated by Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism.

The annual SOTIC brings together tourism decision-makers including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline executives, travel agents, students and the media.

For more information on SOTIC, including how you can register, participate and benefit, visit sotic.onecaribbean.org.