One of CTO’s most exciting initiatives, the Tourism Human Capital Development (THCD) Project, is a 20-month, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded investment in the region’s long-term talent competitiveness. Running through to December 2026, this project reflects CTO’s commitment to strengthening educational foundations, building MSME capacity, enhancing skills, and future-proofing the regional tourism workforce.
The THCD Project is designed to power up the Caribbean’s tourism sector through a bold suite of capacity-building sub-projects. These range from reshaping tertiary-level programmes and transforming MSMEs through digital innovation, to sparking youth interest in tourism careers and developing a modern workforce management online platform.
Let’s shape a stronger, more resilient tourism workforce together — get involved and be part of this transformative journey!
The THCD Project (Phase 1) includes 5 key sub-projects, each of which addresses a critical aspect of tourism talent development:
- Tourism Workforce Management Engine
A digital tool that allows managers to proactively guide education and training, design performance reviews, and develop job descriptions. It will also allow managers and employees alike to map skills gaps and chart career paths. In response to critical workforce gaps revealed by a post-pandemic skills audit, the CTO is taking bold action to transform regional tourism workforce development through the launch of an Online Workforce Management Engine.
Inspired by a proven Tourism HR Canada model, this powerful platform will embed over 425 validated and regionally adapted competencies and National Occupational Standards to strengthen HR processes, support career mapping, and fuel targeted training across the region.
Delivered over two phases, the project will blend rigorous framework adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and prototype development to build a secure, user-friendly hub for skills growth and performance enhancement.
Join us as we standardize, modernize, and collaboratively develop Caribbean tourism talent — let’s bridge the skills gap and elevate our industry together!
- Common Core Curriculum (CCC) Project
A comprehensive review, validation and update of the curriculum for the Tourism and Hospitality Associate Degree and Certificate programmes used across the region to ensure it is future-facing and reflects global trends and regional industry needs.
As part of its mission to build a skilled, resilient, and globally competitive tourism workforce, the CTO is spearheading an ambitious update of the Common Core Curriculum for the tourism and hospitality associate-degree and certificate programmes across the region. This forward-looking project will realign tertiary-level tourism and hospitality education with emerging industry trends, innovative teaching methods, and evolving labour market demands.
Over the next five months, a dedicated team will benchmark global best practices, engage stakeholders through dynamic validation workshops, and develop modernised, relevant, and regionally harmonised curricula and resources.
Let’s future-proof Caribbean tourism education together — stay tuned, get involved, and be part of this transformative movement!
- Tourism Pipeline Project
A modern overhaul of primary school, secondary school and career-pathing educational, training and promotional resources to sensitize and endear the next generation of potential Caribbean professionals to the tourism and hospitality sector.
Recognising the vital role of early tourism education in shaping a resilient, globally competitive workforce, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is reigniting its commitment to inspire and prepare the region’s next generation of tourism professionals, managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. CTO will refresh and revitalise its tourism education and careers in tourism resources for primary and secondary school students, ensuring its materials address today’s realities — from digital shifts to climate resilience and evolving traveller expectations.
This bold update will empower young Caribbean learners with the values, knowledge, and skills to thrive in a dynamic global tourism sector.
Let’s invest in the leaders of tomorrow — join us in building a future-ready, proudly Caribbean tourism workforce!
- Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity for Leadership Training Programme
A timely intervention specifically curated to equip regional tourism and hospitality leaders with cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership tools for leading and managing diverse teams and stakeholders, as well as guest needs and experiences.
The Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity for Leadership Training Programme is a transformative initiative designed to empower Caribbean tourism leaders to excel in multicultural environments and meet the expectations of a diverse, global clientele. By fostering cultural competence, and inclusive leadership — while tackling critical issues such as workplace equity, harassment, and sexual exploitation — this programme will help tourism businesses reduce risk, protect their reputation, and build safer, more inclusive workplaces.
Culminating in a high-impact Masterclass on 30th October, at the 2025 CTO 11th Tourism HR Conference in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, participants will gain practical tools through interactive learning, and real-life case studies. Ready to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and ethical confidence? Take part in our survey as we gauge awareness and understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our sector’s leaders!
- Regional Tourism MSME Digital Transformation Programme
A hands-on digital improvement initiative tailored specifically for regional tourism micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through this programme, MSMEs will receive exposure to cutting-edge digital resources, platforms, and practices that can enhance operations, grow reach, and strengthen overall service delivery.
The Regional Hybrid Digital Transformation Programme for Tourism MSMEs is a game-changing initiative under the Tourism Human Capital Development Project, driven by the CTO and supported by the CDB, to help Caribbean tourism MSMEs not just compete, but survive and thrive in a fast-paced digital world.
Delivered through a dynamic hybrid model over three in-person and two virtual days, this workshop will empower at least 30 MSMEs with practical tools, expert insights, and personalised roadmaps to boost efficiency, customer value, and resilience. From digital literacy and cybersecurity to AI and the tailored Digital Transformation Secrets (DTS) framework, participants will gain the skills to future-proof their businesses.
Stay tuned for more updates coming out of this exciting!
