This week, the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) shines the spotlight on Natasha J. Chalwell, a distinguished leadership laureate who will be celebrated at the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area.
Chalwell has served as deputy director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission since January 2025. With more than 20 years of experience in tourism marketing, product development and stakeholder engagement, she is helping strengthen the BVI’s global profile while advancing sustainable, high-value visitor experiences.
Her leadership has emphasized modernization, collaboration and strategic transformation. Among the digital initiatives she has championed is the integration of MindTrip AI into the BVI’s official destination website, enhancing trip planning through personalized itineraries and recommendations. While embracing innovation, Chalwell maintains that technology should support — not replace — the authentic human connections that distinguish the Virgin Islands experience.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to destination promotion, sustainable tourism development, cruise policy and international marketing. Her accomplishments include leading the BVI’s first Sustainable Tourism Environmental Program, Tourism Comprehensive Disaster Plan and Tourism Education Program.
CMEx will celebrate Chalwell and an outstanding group of Caribbean leadership laureates whose vision, service and achievements continue to inspire the region and its people.
The event is powered by Platinum Sponsor, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
Major sponsors include The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, Carnival Corporation, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Additional sponsors supporting the cause include Coco Palm (St. Lucia), Fond Doux Eco Resort (St. Lucia), Ladera Resort (St. Lucia), Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort (Grenada), GRUPO PUNTACANA (The Westin Puntacana Resort), Tropical Attractions, and Vanessa James Media.
Proceeds support educational programs, youth development initiatives and professional training designed to empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism and media leaders.
For more details visit cmexmedia.org.
