CTO Secretary-General highlights tourism’s role in fostering peace and prosperity

At the National Tourism Conference 2024, held on Friday in Curaçao in celebration of World Tourism Day, Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, emphasized the vital role tourism plays in promoting peace and prosperity across the region. The event was hosted by the Curaçao Tourist Board and the Ministry of Economic Development,…

September 30, 2024

Events Tourism Development

CTO celebrates World Tourism Day with a virtual forum

The Caribbean tourism industry is gearing up to celebrate World Tourism Day 2024 with a focus on “Resilience and Renewal: Building a Peaceful Future”. On September 27, 2024, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host a virtual forum to explore innovative ideas for sustainable tourism development in the region. The event will bring together industry leaders,…

September 24, 2024

Cruise Industry Events Tourism Development

FCCA Platinum Summit sails to success aboard Virgin Voyages

Ahoy, Caribbean! The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) Platinum Summit recently concluded aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. The summit, which sailed to Key West and Bimini last week, offered a unique setting for industry leaders to discuss sustainable growth and emerging trends. With top executives from major cruise lines participating, the conversations were insightful and inspiring.…

September 24, 2024

Tourism Development

Vanessa Ledesma confirmed as CEO of CHTA

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the appointment of Vanessa Ledesma as its new Chief Executive Officer. Outgoing CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig stated that Ledesma, with close to 25 years working with CHTA, “brings to the table passion, loyalty and a wealth of knowledge about Caribbean tourism.” Madden-Greig added, “It has been my pleasure working with…

September 24, 2024

Tourism Development

CHTA confirms new leadership

Sanovnik Destang, a respected hotelier from St. Lucia, has taken over as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). His election was confirmed at CHTA’s Annual General Meeting last week. Destang, who brings extensive hospitality experience to the role, plans to focus on people, technology, and strengthening ties with other sectors of the…

September 24, 2024

Sustainable Tourism Tourism Development

MPE talks tourism with Sandals chief

When Sandals Resorts chief Adam Stewart says “all inclusive” he also means that local communities must be included in the benefits of tourism. During the 42nd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay last month, MPE’s Lelei LeLaulu spoke with the Executive Chairman about the importance of community involvement in the tourism industry. Stewart emphasized that for tourism to be truly…

July 22, 2024

Education Sustainable Tourism Tourism Development

Blue Lagoon Island Spearheads Comprehensive Educational Programs in The Bahamas

Premier tourism attraction partners with Bahamian and American students to foster environmental stewardship NASSAU, Bahamas (March 25, 2024) – Blue Lagoon Island continues its commitment to educational and sustainability initiatives, collaborating with the U.S.-based Iowa State University, The Bahamas’ First Step Academy, and The Bahamas Environmental Stewards Scholars (BESS) program. Recently, 11 students from Iowa…

March 26, 2024

Destinations Tourism Development

Cayman Islands Embarks on Expansion with Eye on Global Destinations

Team Cayman in Colombia: Pictured l-r Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, Lennon Chandler, Bianca Moore Downey, Ayanna Victorin, Rosa Harris, Omar Hashmi, Tatiana Ramoon, Tristaca Ebanks, and Raymond Mathias. BOGOTA, Colombia (March 23, 2024) – The Cayman Islands is setting its sights on a bold expansion of its tourism and aviation sectors, Director of Tourism Rosa Harris reported…

March 23, 2024

Events Tourism Development

CTO to Spotlight the Caribbean at Routes Americas 2024 in Bogotá

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (March 13, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is poised to positively impact the Routes Americas in Bogotá, Colombia, next week. This premier air service development forum uniting the Americas brings together senior decision-makers from the region’s leading airlines, airports and other tourism and aviation stakeholders. The CTO delegation, led by Secretary-General…

March 13, 2024

Tourism Development

America is elevating tourism; Caribbean should follow suit

The historic Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act elevates the importance of the sector in the United States, and for the first time in U.S. history, creates a new Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce, a top government-level position. Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association…

January 18, 2023

Tourism Development

NewsLetter