Giora Israel, a respected leader in global cruise tourism and port development whose career spans five decades, will be recognized at the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6 in Coral Gables, Florida.
An industry trailblazer, Israel spent 31 years with Carnival Corporation, retiring as senior vice president of global port and destination development. During his career, he helped guide the development of 42 ports and multiple private destinations worldwide including major projects in Barcelona, Spain and at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.
Today, through his consulting firm, Giora Israel LLC, he continues to shape the industry, advising clients on port and destination development, business and investment strategies, and opportunities in the blue economy.
Far from slowing down, Israel is turning his attention to the next frontier: what travel and tourism might look like 50 years from now. He is currently writing a book exploring the industry’s long-term future and completed an immersive training program at the Palo Alto-based Institute for the Future, focused on equipping leaders with the tools and practices to prepare organizations for emerging challenges and opportunities.
His recognition by CMEx celebrates not only an extraordinary legacy of leadership and innovation but also his continuing commitment to helping shape the future of global travel and tourism.
The 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is powered by platinum sponsor the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism with gold sponsors the Anguilla Tourist Board, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Carnival Corporation and Tropical Shipping.
Major sponsors include the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, 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), Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas), Fond Doux Eco Resort (St. Lucia), Grupo Puntacana (The Westin Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic), Jade Mountain (St. Lucia), Ladera Resort (St. Lucia), Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort (Grenada), Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Jamaica), Secret Bay (Dominica), The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Tortuga Rum Company, 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.
