The Official Magazine of IAAPA
In an era where guest experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability define leadership excellence in the attractions industry, IAAPA Summit: Latin America, Caribbean 2026—aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas cruise ship—offers a unique and high-level gathering designed for professionals who aim to drive strategic growth, innovation, and differentiation. Here are some of the key learnings and benefits attendees can expect to gather from the summit.
Immersive Learning
Far from a standard seminar, the IAAPA Latin America, Caribbean Summit 2026 delivers an immersive educational experience at sea and across premier resort destinations. Taking place April 20–24, the event departs Miami and visits the private island of CocoCay, the luxury water park Baha Bay at Baha Mar, and the renowned Atlantis Paradise Island resort complex.
Executives won’t just hear about operational excellence—they’ll experience it firsthand. Participants will explore attraction ecosystems, observe hybrid operational models, and study how design, entertainment, and hospitality intersect in real-world environments. For senior leaders, this means gaining a deeper understanding of what world-class experiences look like, how they’re delivered, and how to adapt those insights to their own facilities.
Lessons from the Cruise Industry
The attractions industry can draw significant inspiration from the cruise sector, which is known for its mastery of all-inclusive, guest-centered experiences. Cruise lines excel at blending entertainment, dining, and accommodations into a cohesive environment, where every detail contributes to the guest journey.
By adopting similar principles—such as themed lodging, personalized services, and integrated programming—parks and attractions can elevate guest engagement and extend the experience beyond rides and shows. Cruise operators also leverage data to anticipate preferences, enhance satisfaction, and strengthen loyalty. This summit provides a rare opportunity to explore these strategies firsthand and discover how they can boost retention, revenue, and brand differentiation.
Building Strategic Connections
For executives at the top of their fields, peer networks are a critical resource—places to benchmark success, exchange insights, and forge alliances. The Latin America, Caribbean Summit fosters exactly that environment, bringing together senior leaders from regional attractions, resorts, and entertainment companies in an intimate, collaborative setting.
The cruise-based format and on-site visits encourage organic conversations and meaningful connections that go beyond formal meetings. Attendees gain direct access to decision-makers, innovators, and potential partners in settings designed for strategic exchange and long-term collaboration.
Tackling Pressing Industry Priorities
The summit’s program will feature keynote sessions and presentations addressing core leadership challenges, including talent development, operational efficiency, sustainability, and guest experience. These are the strategic levers that drive profitability, strengthen brands, and shape organizational direction.
For senior executives across Latin America and the Caribbean—regions marked by rapid growth and shifting guest expectations—these discussions offer timely insights and actionable strategies to guide future planning and innovation.
Key Learnings from EDUTours at Iconic Destinations
Participants will gain rare access to three of the Bahamas’ most renowned attractions—CocoCay, Baha Bay, and Atlantis Paradise Island—through exclusive IAAPA EDUTours. These tours provide behind-the-scenes views of operations that combine water parks, resort hospitality, and immersive entertainment into cohesive guest experiences.
For attendees, the tours deliver tangible takeaways: real-world benchmarks, operational insights, and inspiration for adapting world-class models to their own facilities. For executives responsible for strategic planning, growth, and guest experience differentiation, this hands-on exposure is an invaluable advantage.
IMPORTANT: Registration deadline for this event is February 28, 2026.
Learn more about IAAPA Summit: Latin America, Caribbean 2026
