CTO News

CTO SG Dona Regis-Prosper Calls for Caribbean Unity and Innovation at Virgin Islands Tourism Summit

PETER ISLAND, British Virgin Islands (January 28, 2025) – The Caribbean must leverage more than just its natural beauty and focus on strategic partnerships, innovation and sustainable tourism to remain globally competitive, Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), declared in a thought-provoking keynote address at the 2025 Virgin Islands Tourism Summit, held at Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands this month.

The event was hosted by the BVI Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and the British Virgin Islands Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIYHTA).

Addressing an audience of over 300 tourism stakeholders on “Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Caribbean Tourism Services”, Regis-Prosper challenged the region to rethink its approach to tourism development, emphasizing that dialogue alone is not enough.

“This is not a talk shop,” she asserted. “It’s important that we get together as professionals and talk about the future of tourism.”

Her speech, delivered in the British Virgin Islands – a place she fondly referred to as “home” due to her past years of living and working in the territory – set the stage for an ambitious vision of a collaborative, resilient and innovation-driven Caribbean tourism industry.

Is Beauty Alone Enough?

Regis-Prosper posed a pointed question to the audience: “Is our beauty enough to guarantee our future?”

“At this critical juncture, while our natural beauty is undeniable, we must not for one minute believe that it’s enough to secure the future of the Caribbean,” she warned, emphasizing the need for strong, innovative and sustainable tourism models.

Five Pillars for a Sustainable Future

Highlighting the CTO’s Five Ps of Sustainable Tourism – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership, Regis-Prosper stressed that tourism must go beyond resilience and become restorative.

She announced that later this year, CTO will unveil a reimagine plan focused on five key areas:

1.   Advocacy

2.   Market Intelligence

3.   Market Competitiveness

4.   People Development

5.   Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism

“These pillars represent a collective vision for a resilient and sustainable tourism sector,” she stated, adding that true collaboration “has to start in the mind.”

Strategic Partnerships: The Key to Growth

At the heart of her address was a call for greater regional and international collaboration. Regis-Prosper highlighted the CTO’s expanding network, which now includes 25 member countries and 65 private-sector partners, spanning airlines, cruise lines, travel and marketing agencies.

She emphasized the power of public-private sector partnerships, which allow governments and businesses to pool resources, expertise and knowledge.

“The CTO, for example, is a real-world example of the power of partnerships,” she said, citing joint efforts to tackle issues such as sustainable infrastructure, waste management, and eco-friendly technologies.

She also underscored the importance of local communities in shaping the region’s tourism future, especially in the area of product development. “Residents must be included in the discussions,” she said. “These are the people, the stewards of our culture, our environment, and our resources.”

Tourism Education and Workforce Development

The tourism leader identified people as the Caribbean’s greatest asset and urged the industry to invest in workforce development.

“Tourism is ultimately about people,” she said, pointing to CTO’s 192 training courses (developed in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association), online learning platforms, and tourism eBooks for primary school students aimed at encouraging young people to see tourism as a viable career.

She also gave the audience an exclusive preview of CTO’s 2025 training calendar, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to skills development and capacity building.

Emerging Trends Shaping Caribbean Tourism

Acknowledging the shifting global tourism landscape, Regis-Prosper identified key trends shaping the future of the Caribbean’s tourism industry:

1.   Health and Safety Post-Pandemic – While the region has shown remarkable resilience, she urged continued vigilance in hygiene standards and contactless travel innovations.

2.   Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism – With 80% of travelers willing to pay 10% more for sustainable options, and 41% willing to pay 30% extra for adventure and eco-tourism experiences, she said the Caribbean must capitalize on this demand.

3.   Technology and Innovation – From contactless check-ins to ride-sharing apps across the region, she emphasized that technology is reshaping tourism and that the Caribbean must listen to visitors’ demands.

4.   Experiential Travel – Today’s tourists want authentic, immersive experiences, and the Caribbean is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

A Call to Collaborate, Not Compete

Regis-Prosper closed her address with a call for regional unity, urging leaders to see each other as collaborators, not competitors.

“We have the opportunity to shape tourism that benefits not only our local economies but also our environments and our local communities,” she said. She challenged stakeholders to embrace partnerships, innovation, and sustainability to ensure that the Caribbean remains “the world’s most desirable and responsible tourism destination.”

With her stirring message, Regis-Prosper left no doubt: the future of Caribbean tourism will be determined not only by its beauty, but by its vision, strategy and collective action.

CTO Highlights Tourism Sustainability in Quarterly Webinar Series 

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (January 24, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) kicks off 2025 with its new Sustainable Tourism in Action quarterly webinar series. The first webinar, entitled “Sustainable Tourism in Action: Measuring and Reducing Carbon Footprints in the Caribbean” will take place Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m. ET. The event will be co-hosted by Sustainable Travel International (STI).

The event builds on the Caribbean’s continued advocacy for climate resilience, following discussions at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Small island developing states face unique challenges, especially those related to climate change, and this webinar aims to equip tourism stakeholders with actionable tools and strategies to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon output.

“Tourism is vital to the Caribbean, but climate change directly threatens this industry,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO. “We must take action now to develop a more sustainable, resilient tourism industry if we expect to ensure the region’s future prosperity. Through this webinar series, we aim to inspire stakeholders and decision makers to join us in creating a more sustainable Caribbean.”

The webinar will introduce participants to Sustainable Travel International’s Carbon Calculator Tool, explore real-world applications of carbon measurement, and highlight its importance in crafting sustainable tourism strategies. Attendees will also benefit from expert insights and practical examples from the region and beyond.

Key speakers include Regis-Prosper, who will deliver remarks on the urgency of sustainability in tourism, and Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, who will provide insights into carbon measurement tools. Information presented by UN Tourism representative Virginia Fernandez-Trapa will contextualize the global climate framework, linking the outcomes of COP29 to the Caribbean’s specific challenges and opportunities.

In addition to an interactive exploration of the Carbon Calculator tool, a case study will be presented by Dianille Taylor-Williams with the Ministry of Tourism of St. Kitts and Nevis. Taylor-Williams will showcase how local businesses have successfully implemented carbon reduction practices.

The session will culminate in an open discussion, moderated by Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Consultant, providing attendees the opportunity to share experiences, insights and actionable ideas for sustainable tourism. Participants will gain practical knowledge on integrating sustainability into their operations while fostering a collaborative spirit across the industry.

This webinar is the first of a four-part series designed to address topics related to sustainability and resilience in Caribbean tourism. It aligns with the CTO’s 2025 theme, “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism”, and reinforces the organization’s commitment to advancing the region’s position as a global leader in sustainable travel practices while fostering innovation and resilience across the tourism sector.

Attendees can register for the event, which will be held over Zoom, at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d6vh7u1HQneFMhBf5rnvgg

CTO Unveils 2025 Theme: “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism”

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (January 21, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has unveiled its theme for 2025: “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism.” This timely and forward-thinking theme underscores the region’s commitment to embracing its strengths, addressing challenges, and creating a future-ready tourism sector that continues to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.

CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, emphasized the transformative potential of the theme: “‘Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism’ challenges us to think innovatively and act collaboratively. It is a rallying call to strengthen partnerships, invest in our people, and prioritize sustainability while harnessing technology and innovation to redefine how the Caribbean engages with global travelers. We must commit to building a tourism sector that not only meets today’s demands but also anticipates tomorrow’s opportunities.”

This year’s theme invites regional governments, tourism departments, private sector partners, and local communities to work together to address priorities such as climate adaptation, digital transformation, workforce development, and diversification of tourism products. Alongside the ongoing CTO Reimagine exercise, the theme reflects a renewed focus on sustainable tourism practices that preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Highlighting the significance of the theme, the chairman continued, “Resilience is at the core of the Caribbean’s identity, and this year’s theme acknowledges our ability to navigate challenges while emphasizing our proactive approach to building a sustainable and innovative tourism industry. It inspires us to think beyond recovery, focusing on transformation and long-term success for the region.”

The Caribbean, celebrated worldwide for its diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, has consistently demonstrated its resilience in the face of natural disasters, economic shifts, and global disruptions. The 2025 theme calls on all stakeholders to embrace this spirit of resilience to ensure the region’s continued growth and competitiveness.

As part of its 2025 vision, CTO will host events, workshops and initiatives designed to empower stakeholders and foster innovation across the Caribbean. The organization is committed to ensuring that the region remains a leader in global tourism, offering unique, enriching experiences to visitors while providing economic benefits to its people.

“This theme is an invitation to celebrate our collective resilience and to take bold steps toward a future where the Caribbean continues to shine as a center of innovation, sustainability and unmatched hospitality. Together, we will craft a tourism industry that embodies the true spirit of the Caribbean,” said Gooding-Edghill.

CTO encourages all stakeholders and partners to join in celebrating this theme throughout 2025, working collectively to shape a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for Caribbean tourism.

CTO Partners with Travel & Adventure Shows to Expand Caribbean Visibility in U.S.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (December 20, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced a strategic partnership with the Travel & Adventure Shows, the largest series of travel shows in the United States. The collaboration represents a significant step in amplifying the visibility of Caribbean destinations in key U.S. markets and strengthening the region’s position as a leading travel and tourism destination.

For over two decades, the Travel & Adventure Shows have connected more than 2.7 million travel enthusiasts, 16,500 travel advisors, and thousands of travel media with over 5,800 global exhibitors, influencing over $7 billion in annual travel bookings. The series, hosted in nine major U.S. cities, is known for showcasing diverse destinations, experiential travel, and leisure opportunities to an engaged audience of consumers and travel professionals.

The agreement will provide CTO with a robust platform to engage directly with travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media at five events in 2025, including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.

“This partnership with the Travel & Adventure Shows underscores CTO’s commitment to promoting the Caribbean as a diverse, vibrant, and resilient travel destination,” said Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper. “The shows build valuable connections and showcase the Caribbean’s unique offerings, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, and we are proud to be a part of the 2025 circuit.”

CTO will have a dedicated booth at each show and provide its members with exclusive opportunities, including discounted booth rates and marketing visibility.

“We are thrilled to partner with CTO and bring the vibrancy of the Caribbean to our attendees,” said John Golicz, CEO and Founder of Travel & Adventure Shows. “This collaboration highlights the Caribbean’s vital importance to the travel industry, and we look forward to building even greater momentum together for the years ahead.”

CTO Members, Royal Caribbean President Talk Cruise Tourism During “Iconic” Summit

MIAMI, FL (December 24, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) partnered with Royal Caribbean during Caribbean Weekend in Miami this month, bringing together regional ministers and directors of tourism, as well as other stakeholders, to explore the potential for economic growth, sustainability, and deeper community engagement.

Hosted aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, “Envisioning Caribbean Tourism: An Iconic Summit”, featured a dynamic discussion with Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, which was moderated by Bevan Springer, President of Marketplace Excellence, public relations agency of record for the CTO.

The summit provided a unique opportunity for mutual exchange on topics such as the cruise industry’s role in creating employment and opportunities in the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean is the soul of Royal Caribbean. About 60 percent of all our business is the Caribbean,” stated Bayley, noting that everything the cruise line does – from the colors and designs of its vessels to the warm, friendly culture of the company —reflects the company’s connection to and association with the region.

Bayley highlighted Royal Caribbean’s longstanding commitment to fostering the success of all stakeholders throughout the region’s cruise tourism ecosystem, emphasizing employment opportunities and sharing that the company is maximizing its efforts to increase local sourcing in the Caribbean.

He noted, however, that enhancing supply chain systems remains essential for sustaining and expanding these efforts. “It does require a lot of cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture to work with the cruise lines to try and figure out how to create cooperatives to aggregate product so that we can purchase it … It takes time, commitment and focus, but we’re very open to that,” Bayley indicated.

The company executive also spoke about potential for Caribbean governments to develop frameworks similar to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which could pave the way for more Caribbean nationals to join the cruise workforce. Bayley praised the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation cadet program, sharing a recent success story of a female Bahamian second officer who brought Icon of the Seas into Nassau during its inaugural season.

Sustainability was another focus of the discussion, with Bayley describing Royal Caribbean’s investments in and embrace of waste reduction initiatives and innovative energy solutions such as biofuels and LNG.

CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, shared his reflections on the importance of collaboration with the cruise industry, noting that as CTO reimagines the future of Caribbean tourism, the summit initiative demonstrates its commitment to building successful partnerships that benefit economies and communities.

Minister Gooding-Edghill recognized Royal Caribbean’s role in providing economic opportunities across the region. “It is a wonderful story … it says something about your leadership, it says something about your company,” he said, thanking Royal Caribbean for its longstanding commitment to the Caribbean.

CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper also expressed her gratitude to Royal Caribbean for its collaborative efforts: “This iconic summit underscores the power of partnerships and collaboration as we reimagine our approach to tourism development and deepen our engagement with the cruise industry.

As Royal Caribbean prepares to unveil its next Icon Class ship, Star of the Sea, Bayley assured attendees that the Caribbean will remain central to its operations. CTO has pledged its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines, to sponsor opportunities for open dialogue between the cruise industry and Caribbean stakeholders, and to pursue opportunities for sustainable growth and mutual benefit.

Front row (l-r): Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago; Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO; second row (l-r): Carlos James, Minister of Tourism for St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Ian Gooding-Edghill, Chairman of the CTO Ministerial Council and Barbados Minister of Tourism; Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Turks and Caicos Islands; Luce Hodge Smith, Junior Minister of Tourism, British Virgin Islands; Marsha Henderson, Tourism Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis; Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism in The Bahamas; and Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, St. Maarten; back row (l-r): Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Belize; Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism for Bermuda; Adrian Thomas, Minister of Tourism, Grenada; and Parliamentary Secretary Guibion Ferdinand of St. Lucia. They are joined by Henrik Loy, Captain of Icon of the Seas