Share This Article
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) marked a highly successful presence at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, with strategic engagements and productive discussions that set the stage for a strong future. Led by Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper and Director of Research Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO showcased the region’s tourism potential and reaffirmed partnerships with key global industry players.
The Caribbean Pavilion at WTM, along with individual destination stands, were vibrant hubs for attendees, showcasing the region’s diverse offerings and fostering fruitful collaborations. Regis-Prosper was among a number of Caribbean speakers, including Rosa Harris, Cayman Islands Director of Tourism, and Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, who captivated audiences during panel discussions.
One standout moment was the Ministerial Roundtable, which offered a platform for the CTO to connect with members and industry leaders. This high-level meeting facilitated the exchange of ideas and the exploration of new growth opportunities for the Caribbean tourism sector. Katrina Dawson from ForwardKeys delivered an insightful presentation on current travel trends, highlighting a 9% year-to-date increase in Caribbean air arrivals compared to 2023.
Shakeer outlined a transformative vision for the organization’s research capabilities with a strategic focus on improving data collection, standardizing reports, and enhancing partnerships with industry leaders. Upcoming initiatives include the launch of a tourism statistics dashboard, which will centralize key metrics and make data more accessible for stakeholders, empowering member countries to make data-driven decisions for sustainable growth.
Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business Development Director for the CTO UK and Europe Chapter, also addressed the roundtable and emphasized the importance of a cohesive marketing strategy. He shared exciting plans for 2025, including expanding the Caribbean’s presence in British and European markets through targeted outreach and strategic media partnerships.
PHOTO CAPTION: CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper and her team had a highly productive meeting with Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (third from right), at WTM in London. From left to right are Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s Director of Research; Evelyne Freiermuth, WTTC Government Affairs Director; Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business Development Director for the CTO Chapter UK & Europe; and WTTC Senior Vice President Virginia Messina.
