2024 News

CTO Welcomes New Sustainable Tourism Consultant

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 12, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the appointment of Trinidad and Tobago national Narendra Ramgulam as its new Sustainable Tourism Consultant.

Ramgulam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, focusing on advancing sustainable practices across the Caribbean region.

As a leading regional tourism development agency, CTO is committed to promoting sustainable tourism that benefits the Caribbean people economically and socially. Ramgulam’s appointment aligns with the CTO’s mission to create a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector in the Caribbean. His expertise in sustainable tourism, coupled with his passion for the region, will be instrumental in driving forward initiatives that promote responsible and environmentally friendly tourism practices.

Ramgulam previously served as Director of Tourism Product Development & Destination Management at the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, where his work led to prestigious sustainability awards and a strengthened reputation for safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also served as a Postgraduate Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

Ramgulam continues the work previously spearheaded by Amanda Charles, who managed the CTO’s sustainability initiatives for eight years, organizing and participating in international and regional conferences and sustainable tourism initiatives. “We are grateful for Amanda’s considerable contributions to the CTO’s sustainable tourism development initiatives throughout the years,” said CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper. “Her dedication and expertise have been invaluable in advancing our position and have contributed to sustainable development in the region,” she added.

The CTO leader looks forward to furthering the CTO’s sustainability agenda in the future: “With Narendra’s proven track record and extensive knowledge, we are confident that he will significantly contribute to advancing sustainable tourism practices across the Caribbean. We are excited that we can leverage his expertise and guide our member countries towards a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.”

Ramgulam is a prolific researcher with 13 publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. He is also an active participant in tourism conferences, sharing his expertise in the areas of sustainable tourism, tourism anthropology, tourism product development, and economic diversification.

Barbados to lead the Caribbean Tourism Organization following election in the Cayman Islands

CAYMAN ISLANDS (September 4, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announced the election of Barbados as its new Chairman for the next two years. The election took place during the CTO’s Ministerial Council meeting held in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, coinciding with the organization’s annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC).

Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, Ian Gooding-Edghill, will assume the Chairmanship of the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, while Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Barbados succeeds outgoing chair Cayman Islands, led by Minister of Tourism and Ports, Kenneth Bryan, and Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris.

The Cayman Islands’ tenure was marked by significant achievements for the CTO, including:

• The election of a new Secretary General and CEO, Dona Regis-Prosper
• The launch of a “reimagine” exercise to strengthen the organization
• The re-engagement of members, welcoming back the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda
• Increased internal and external communication efforts

“I hope that I’m leaving this organization in a stronger position and well placed to meet the opportunities and the challenges ahead,” said outgoing Chairman Kenneth Bryan, commending his team, including Director of Tourism Rosa Harris, for her leadership, dedication and service.

Incoming Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the CTO. “We are all in this together. We have a lot of work to do,” he stated. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, Minister Bryan … for all that you’ve contributed over the last two years. Under my leadership, with the help of all of my colleagues, we will certainly continue to advance the cause of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.”

During the meeting, members wholeheartedly expressed their appreciation for the remarkable leadership of Minister Bryan and Director Harris during Cayman Islands’ chairmanship.

The members acknowledged their commitment, vision and tireless efforts, which have undoubtedly strengthened the CTO and set the stage for continued progress under the new leadership team.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology.

The CTO’s headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026.

Tel: +1 246 427-5242; Email: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com

For more information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow the CTO on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

CTO Launches Allied Member Webinar Series to Boost Tourism Expertise

BARBADOS (July 30, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has launched the Allied Member Webinar Series, an important program designed to showcase the expertise of CTO’s Allied members and enhance knowledge sharing within the tourism sector. Coordinated in collaboration with the Allied Board of Directors, the series will feature presentations by Allied members on areas of critical importance to stakeholders in the Caribbean tourism industry. Part 1 of the series is scheduled to run from August to November 2024.

“The CTO is pleased to be able to provide its members with this platform to engage tourism stakeholders across our membership and beyond,” shared Faye Gill, CTO’s Director of Membership Services. “Allied members are key global partners of the CTO and are expertly positioned to support the development of Caribbean tourism. We are confident this series will demonstrate their valuable contributions.”

The webinar series will cover a range of key topics and provide meaningful insights in areas of interest to tourism leaders and practitioners across the region.

Registration for the webinars is open to the public to encourage broad participation and foster inclusivity, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to benefit from the discussions.

Allied membership comprises businesses, non-government organizations, and associations directly or indirectly involved in or influencing the Caribbean tourism sector. Allied members are vital partners of the CTO and have consistently made positive contributions to the organization’s work over the years.

“The Allied Member Webinar Series is designed to showcase, inform and educate all tourism industry partners, bringing significant value to their strategic and operational planning at this pivotal period of tourism growth,” remarked William Griffith, Chairman of the Allied Board and Managing Director of WCG Consulting Ltd. He further commented that this dynamic group of companies and organizations already brings expertise and value to the broader CTO membership, which forms the largest public and private tourism network in the region.

Registration details and a full schedule of webinars will be announced soon. Interested parties are encouraged to follow CTO’s social media channels for the latest updates.