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CTO Chairman: “An Exciting Time” as Caribbean Week 2025 Wraps with Strong Momentum

NEW YORK (June 9, 2025) – Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY 2025) concluded on Thursday with high praise from Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who declared the 2025 edition a powerful testament to regional unity, strategic vision, and forward-thinking leadership.

“This is my first Caribbean Week as Chairman of the CTO and based on all the feedback we received, it went extremely well,” said Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados. “We are certainly delighted that we’ve had so many participants (over 200) registered. It also tells us that the organization is going in the right direction.”

Held under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism”, the week brought together tourism leaders, cultural influencers and media stakeholders for a series of high-level discussions, workshops, and networking events focused on shaping the region’s tourism future.

One of the event’s highlights was the Council of Ministers and Commissioners Meeting. “We were in the session for just over four hours, which speaks to the value of the contributions at that meeting. We’ve also specifically laid out additional work that the CTO will have to undertake on (behalf of members),” said Minister Gooding-Edghill. Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., presided over the Board of Directors meeting as Chairman of the CTO Board.

Gooding-Edghill emphasized the importance of robust research and data in strategic planning. “Research plays a significant role in our day-to-day business … and we discussed how we can finetune and get additional data and metrics … and plan strategically to advance the Caribbean’s interests.”

Caribbean Week also marked the launch of the CTO’s Reimagine Plan (2025-2027), which seeks to provide CTO’s strategic direction for the next three years. It is anchored by five key pillars: advocacy, market competitiveness, tourism intelligence, sustainable and regenerative tourism, and people development.

“We will continue to focus on the Reimagine program. It’s an exciting time for us as CTO … ever so often you have to look back and you have to look internally and see where you are and where you want to go … and that is the Reimagine plan for us,” said Chairman Gooding-Edghill.

The CTO Chairman also highlighted the increasing engagement of CTO’s Allied Members, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting destinations and supporting the broader Caribbean tourism sector. He commended their contributions during the dedicated forum “Beyond Borders: Positioning the Caribbean Tourism Industry in a Shifting Travel Landscape”, noting that the discussions were insightful and highly relevant to the industry’s current challenges.

The Chairman also addressed intra-regional travel, acknowledging progress and the work ahead. “Connectivity within the Caribbean continues to be a challenge … we have to ensure that we improve connectivity and there is a CTO Airlift Committee … tasked with not only bringing solutions to the table, but also making recommendations so we can advance greater connectivity.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados, slated for the Fall, Gooding-Edghill signaled that connectivity, tourism growth, and economic linkages will be central to discussions. “The only way you can grow your tourism business is by increasing spend or by driving additional traffic to the destination, and we believe in both,” he said. “And of course, ensuring that we have a strong linkages program with the agriculture, manufacturing sectors within the Caribbean so that we can retain more of the foreign exchange that is spent within the Caribbean.”

Reflecting on the broader impact of the week, the Chairman noted that one of the key takeaways was the opportunity for professionals across the industry to connect and exchange ideas. He emphasized that beyond networking, the event offered valuable insights into emerging trends, with the diversity of panelists and speakers highlighting CTO’s forward-looking vision.

“I extend heartfelt thanks to Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill and CEO Andrea Franklin for their outstanding leadership throughout Caribbean Week in New York,” stated CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper. “Their vision, energy and commitment to advancing regional collaboration and sustainable growth were evident in every aspect of this year’s event. We are charting a bold and inclusive path forward for Caribbean tourism, and the success of Caribbean Week 2025 reflects the strength of that direction.”

CWNY 2025 was supported by the following sponsors:

• Platinum: Dominica, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Gold: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bermuda, Global Ports Holding, Travel & Adventure Shows
• Silver: Sandals Resorts International, St. Kitts
• Bronze: Adara, A RateGain Company; Anguilla; Barbados; Carnival Corporation & plc; Saint Lucia; TEMPO Networks

Dominica and USVI Lead Growing List of Sponsors for Caribbean Week, New York 2025

NEW YORK (May 10, 2025) – The Nature Island of Dominica and the U.S. Virgin Islands – Naturally in Rhythm – have been confirmed as title Platinum Sponsors of Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY 2025), the flagship event of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in North America. Taking place from June 1-6, 2025, at The Westin New York at Times Square, CWNY continues to build momentum with strong support from a growing number of CTO member countries and tourism partners.

This year’s impressive lineup of sponsors also includes:

• Gold Sponsors: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bermuda
• Silver Sponsors: St. Kitts, Sandals Resorts International
• Bronze Sponsor: Anguilla, Barbados

The expanding sponsorship base reflects a united regional commitment to amplify the Caribbean’s global presence and underscores the strategic importance of CWNY as a platform for tourism development, investment, and cultural diplomacy.

“Caribbean Week in New York is more than a celebration — it’s a strategic convergence of our region’s top minds and markets,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. “We’re encouraged by the growing support from our members and partners, which shows the value they see in this marquee event.”

Under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” the 2025 edition will spotlight the dynamism and diversity of the region through a series of high-impact events, including:

• Sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Hospitality Innovation
• The launch of the CTO Reimagine Plan
• Media Marketplace and Caribbean Media Awards
• Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner and Awards
• Forums on airline and cruise connectivity
• Sessions on the Orange Economy and creative industries
• A next-generation showcase for Caribbean youth
• An Allied Member session on emerging markets
• The relaunch of CTO’s Hospitality Assured Program
• The Caribbean Cultural Showcase, a consumer event celebrating the region’s music, art and flavors

Caribbean Week in New York remains the premier regional tourism event in the U.S., drawing government officials, travel professionals, media, diaspora leaders, and Caribbean enthusiasts together to shape the future of the industry.

For more information about Caribbean Week, visit: https://caribbeanweek.onecaribbean.org.

Caribbean Week in New York 2025 to Feature First-Ever Caribbean Cultural Showcase

NEW YORK (May 8, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has added an exciting new event to the Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) 2025 schedule: the Caribbean Cultural Showcase. Celebrating Caribbean music, dance, cuisine and artistry, the event will take place at The Westin New York at Times Square on Thursday, June 5, from 4 pm to 8 pm.

The Caribbean Cultural Showcase will provide attendees with an immersive experience of authentic Caribbean culture, featuring performances, culinary delights, and displays of island artistry. Visitors will have the opportunity to win trips to various Caribbean destinations and access exclusive travel deals available only during the event. To purchase tickets, go to Caribbean Cultural Showcase.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Caribbean Cultural Showcase as part of our expanded Caribbean Week program,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. “This new addition reflects our commitment to sharing the rich cultural tapestry that makes our region so unique. Beyond our beaches and natural beauty, the Caribbean’s diverse heritage, expressed through our music, dance, art and cuisine, is a powerful tourism asset that resonates with travelers seeking authentic experiences.”

CWNY 2025’s theme, “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” aligns perfectly with the Caribbean Cultural Showcase – as the aim is to highlight the region’s cultural heritage as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. The event provides a platform for the Caribbean diaspora communities in New York to reconnect with their roots while introducing potential visitors to the rich experiences awaiting them across the region.

Caribbean Week in New York 2025 remains the premier Caribbean tourism event in North America, offering stakeholders unparalleled engagement opportunities with industry leaders, media representatives and travel enthusiasts. For more information, visit caribbeanweek.com.