2025 News

CTO and ICF Sign MOU to Advance Sustainable Tourism Development in the Caribbean

LONDON, United Kingdom (November 12, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ICF, a US-headquartered consulting firm and global solutions provider, to explore opportunities in advancing sustainable tourism development, climate adaptation, and resilience building in the Caribbean.

The MOU outlines areas of potential collaboration to support the sustainable growth of the region’s tourism sector, including technical assistance, destination governance, market competitiveness, and capacity building. The parties intend to engage residents through inclusive governance models, promote public-private partnerships, and share knowledge to advance responsible tourism practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Caribbean.

Under the MOU, CTO and ICF may cooperate on technical advisory services for sustainable and regenerative tourism, provide expertise as a potential partner in technical assistance initiatives, and explore capacity-building programs for tourism stakeholders on topics of mutual interest.

“This collaboration reinforces our mission to lead sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean by bringing together strategic partners with the expertise and global reach to help strengthen our member countries,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO. “ICF’s extensive experience in destination strategy, climate resilience and sustainable development will help CTO and our members continue to build a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable tourism sector for the region.”

Echoing that sentiment, Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, Head of Tourism at ICF, stated: “ICF is committed to the responsible development of tourism, and our mission lies in providing solutions to the most pressing challenges destinations face. We are very excited to be partnering with CTO to support the organization’s efforts and objectives for the coming years focusing on the sustainable tourism development of the Caribbean. We are ready and have joined forces with CTO for the collective benefit of the region. ICF aims to be a trusted partner of CTO on propelling regional tourism development by providing our global tourism solutions that are strategically combined with interdisciplinary expertise from across ICF’s sectors of focus.”

Signed in London during World Travel Market last week, the MOU will remain in effect until 2029.

Caribbean leaders to convene for CTO’s Caribbean Weekend in Miami next month

MIAMI (November 13, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host Caribbean Weekend in Miami 2025, a milestone four-day gathering that brings together tourism ministers, directors, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the region December 4–8, 2025, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.

The comprehensive program will address critical issues facing Caribbean tourism while celebrating the region’s resilience and fostering collaboration among public and private partners. A full program-at-a-glance is available at https://bit.ly/caribbeanweekend.

In addition to strategic business and committee meetings, CTO will host a holiday dinner and fundraiser on Friday, December 5. The festive evening, held in partnership with CTO’s Allied Members, aims to raise US $100,000 for the CTO Foundation in support of disaster relief and tourism restoration in Jamaica and Haiti, assisting tourism workers whose livelihoods were impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

“This fundraiser embodies the spirit of Caribbean unity,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO. “As we celebrate the holiday season, we’re also standing together to help our brothers and sisters in Jamaica and Haiti rebuild and restore hope to communities.”

Saturday features the signature “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Together” summit, a high-level gathering aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Sponsored by Royal Caribbean Group, this summit will convene regional leaders to discuss innovative strategies for sustainable tourism development and economic growth across the Caribbean.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can visit the CTO Knowledge Exchange Kiosk, which showcases the organization’s wide range of products, services and resources that support tourism growth, innovation and sustainability across the region.

The weekend culminates with the annual Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards & Fundraiser on Sunday, December 7, which celebrates individuals whose work has had a transformative impact on Caribbean communities through tourism, business, media, culture and sustainable development.

Caribbean Weekend in Miami 2025 represents a pivotal moment for regional tourism, combining strategic planning, humanitarian support and industry collaboration under one comprehensive program.

CTO Appoints Taraneh Azimi as Business Development & Marketing Manager

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (October 30, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has appointed marketing, business development and communications specialist Taraneh Azimi as its new Business Development and Marketing Manager.

With more than a decade of experience spanning the travel, aviation, spirits, luxury lifestyle and hospitality industries, Azimi has earned recognition for delivering impactful international campaigns, driving business growth through strategic collaborations, and elevating brand visibility across global markets.

Taraneh Azimi

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper said the new team member brings “a proven track record of innovation, leadership and results,” having led global marketing and

communications strategies for world-renowned brands such as British Airways and Mount Gay Rum Distilleries. “Her expertise and creative vision will be instrumental as we strengthen the CTO brand and deepen engagement with partners across the region and worldwide,” Regis-Prosper added.

A First-Class Honors Management and Marketing graduate from Royal Holloway, University of London, Azimi will spearhead initiatives to enhance the CTO’s brand presence, expand revenue opportunities, and forge meaningful partnerships that advance the Caribbean’s position as a premier global tourism destination.

“I’m excited to bring my passion and experience to this new chapter—working alongside the inspiring tourism leaders I’ve long admired to elevate the Caribbean’s presence on the global stage and drive meaningful impact for our members and stakeholders,” said Azimi, who added that she looks forward to collaborating with the entire CTO team and its valued partners.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Azimi actively engages in charitable and mentoring activities. She has led and supported international grassroots initiatives across Kenya, India, the United Kingdom and Barbados, championing education, community investment and youth empowerment. Her commitment to giving back continues to shape her purpose-driven approach to leadership, development and global engagement.

CTO launches “Our Cultural Gem” Campaign for Caribbean Tourism Month

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (October 21, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) today announced the launch of a regional storytelling initiative that will anchor Caribbean Tourism Month in November and celebrate the theme “Caribbean Cultural Mosaic: Rejuvenating Heritage and Authenticity”.

Under the subtheme “Our Cultural Gem”, the initiative will showcase short features from CTO’s member destinations that highlight the traditions, creativity and resilience that make the Caribbean a world leader in culture-based tourism.

“The Caribbean’s Orange Economy is a wellspring of talent and tradition — from craft and cuisine to music, festivals and living heritage,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s Secretary-General and CEO. “This Caribbean Tourism Month, we’re inviting every destination to tell a short, authentic story about its cultural gem. Together, these stories will form a vibrant portrait of our shared identity and the communities who power Caribbean tourism.”

The initiative supports the CTO Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, advancing the pillar on Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism by accelerating development of the Orange Economy — the cultural, creative and heritage sectors that drive innovation and local value creation; and laying the groundwork for a regional database of cultural and creative tourism resources.

Throughout November, CTO will showcase across social media a curated series of 2–3 minute videos or photo stories submitted by member countries. The resulting “digital mosaic” will amplify regional visibility for artisans, creatives, cultural practitioners and community initiatives.

Destinations will focus on a distinctive element of the Orange Economy or cultural heritage — traditional crafts, performing arts, culinary traditions, festivals, heritage sites, creative industries and artists, or community-led cultural preservation and entrepreneurship.

Expected outcomes include:

• Strengthened regional identity and appreciation of Caribbean cultural diversity

• A growing digital archive of cultural and creative assets to inform CTO’s Orange Economy initiatives

• Enhanced international visibility for member destinations’ creative and cultural sectors

• A foundation for future collaboration, investment and knowledge-sharing across the region

“For Caribbean Tourism Month, we’re celebrating the people behind the places,” Regis-Prosper added. “Every ‘cultural gem’ reflects a living story — and when we bring those stories together, we elevate the Caribbean brand while supporting livelihoods and preserving heritage for generations to come.”

CTO Signs MOU with Travel Unity to Advance Inclusive Tourism

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (October 7, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New York-based nonprofit Travel Unity to strengthen the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism by integrating inclusive practices across its membership and programming.

The agreement leverages Travel Unity’s expertise in inclusive travel to support CTO’s vision of positioning the Caribbean as the world’s most desirable and welcoming destination. Founded in 2016, Travel Unity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that makes the world of travel welcoming for all people through innovative approaches to education, professional development and community building.

“Travel Unity is honored to formalize our collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization through this partnership,” said Roni Weiss, Executive Director of Travel Unity. “CTO has long played a key role in showcasing the Caribbean as a distinctive and welcoming region. We look forward to working together to advance the adoption of inclusive practices that strengthen travelers’ experiences and support local communities.”

Under the MOU, CTO and Travel Unity will collaborate on initiatives such as co-developing annual webinars on inclusive practices, showcasing regional best practices, jointly promoting inclusive tourism through communications, and providing opportunities for youth engagement, including within CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase.

Travel Unity will also feature CTO initiatives through its platforms and extend speaking opportunities to CTO representatives at its global events. In turn, CTO will promote Travel Unity’s educational resources, webinars and membership opportunities to its network, and facilitate introductions for Travel Unity to key CTO members.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to not only sustainable tourism, but also socially inclusive tourism that welcomes all travelers,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO. “By working with Travel Unity, we will provide our members with the tools, resources and knowledge they need to embed inclusivity into their operations and strengthen the Caribbean’s long-term competitiveness.”