Corporate News

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.”

CTO Champions Sustainable Transformation on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2025)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 27, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) proudly embraces this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” It reflects the essence of our Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, which positions the Caribbean to lead globally in sustainable tourism by confronting climate change, adapting to shifting travel trends, and navigating an evolving global landscape.

As part of the Caribbean’s premier tourism gathering — the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place September 30–October 3 at Hilton Barbados Resort — we will host a special pre-conference event on Monday, September 29, to commemorate World Tourism Day. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and actionable insights.

The session will highlight the importance of sustainable transformation in Caribbean tourism, practical strategies for embedding sustainability into policy, business operations and community practices, as well as the role of regional leadership and partnerships in driving innovation and resilience.

We are especially honored to welcome the OECS Commission, which will present its Climate Action Plan, underscoring the critical role of climate action in shaping sustainable tourism transformation.

On this World Tourism Day, as we reflect on the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” I extend warm greetings to our global community of travelers, tourism professionals, and partners across the Caribbean and beyond. I remain profoundly inspired by the enduring power of tourism to transform economies, strengthen livelihoods and uplift societies.

In the Caribbean, where sun-kissed shores, vibrant cultures and a resilient spirit draw millions from across the globe, tourism is more than an economic lifeline — it is a pathway to transformation. From the pulsating rhythms of carnival in Trinidad and Tobago to the serene beauty of The Bahamas’ oceanfronts, our destinations remind us that shared experiences can dissolve barriers, strengthen communities and inspire lasting change.

Yet, as we celebrate these joys, we must also confront the challenges that test our resolve: climate change, natural disasters and global uncertainties that demand bold, collaborative responses. These challenges call us not only to protect what we cherish, but also to reimagine tourism as a driver of environmental stewardship, social equity and long-term prosperity.

This year, let us recommit to tourism as a force for renewal and resilience. Through strategic partnerships, we are empowering communities, investing in sustainable practices and equipping our youth with the tools to lead tomorrow’s sector. Initiatives such as our Regional Tourism Youth Congress show how tourism can transform lives by creating opportunities for education, cultural exchange and inclusive growth.

To our visitors: come not only as tourists, but as partners in transformation — leaving footprints of respect on our ecosystems and helping preserve the natural beauty that sustains us all. To our stakeholders: let us innovate boldly, embracing sustainable solutions and inclusive policies that ensure every voice contributes to a stronger, more resilient Caribbean.

On behalf of CTO, I invite you to join us in this pursuit. Together, we can ensure that tourism becomes a catalyst for meaningful change — one that protects our environment, uplifts our people and leaves a legacy of sustainability and resilience for generations to come.

CTO to Host World Tourism Day Special Event Ahead of SOTIC 2025 in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (September 25, 2025) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will mark World Tourism Day 2025 with a special pre-conference event on Monday, September 29, 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The gathering will be held at the Hilton Barbados as part of the opening activities for the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025.

The event will highlight the Caribbean’s leadership in sustainable tourism and climate action, while offering practical strategies for destinations, enterprises, communities and professionals across the sector. It also serves as the third installment of CTO’s Sustainable Tourism in Action series.

The program will open with remarks from CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, who will frame the significance of World Tourism Day 2025 (to be officially held on Saturday, September 27) and its alignment with CTO’s sustainability agenda.

A 90-minute panel discussion, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: From Vision to Action,” will feature regional leaders, including Maria Fowell, Senior Technical Specialist for Tourism, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission; Loreto Duffy-Mayers, Sustainable Tourism Expert; and Kim Butcher, Social Entrepreneur and Program Director, CARIFESTA XV.

Moderated by Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, the panel will explore the urgency of transformation, practical innovations, and partnerships for scaling sustainability. The session will conclude with key takeaways and a lightning round of immediate actions for stakeholders.

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the OECS Climate Action Plan, introduced by the OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, through recorded remarks, followed by a formal handover of the plan by the Chairman of the OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism to the CTO. The symbolic exchange underscores the central role of climate action in guiding sustainable tourism across the Caribbean.

Acceptance remarks will be delivered by Regis-Prosper, reinforcing the region’s commitment to aligning tourism with global sustainability and climate goals.

“This special event is both a celebration of World Tourism Day and a call to action,” said Regis-Prosper. “It will provide a platform for collaboration, showcase regional leadership, and ensure our stakeholders leave with practical solutions to advance sustainable transformation.”

The event is expected to draw policymakers, private sector leaders, community representatives, students, members of the media, and professionals from tourism and related industries. Outcomes are set to include enhanced regional dialogue, actionable insights, and greater visibility for Caribbean-led innovation in sustainable tourism.

CTO to Showcase Sustainable Tourism Leadership at CARIFESTA XV

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (August 21, 2025) —The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will spotlight its leadership in sustainable tourism at CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, scheduled for August 22–31, 2025, in Barbados.

Working alongside the Local Organizing Committee and CARICOM, CTO will exhibit in the Sustainability Pavilion at the Grand Market in Waterford near the Botanical Gardens. The interactive booth will highlight the organization’s mission of advancing sustainable tourism development across the region, with displays on environmental initiatives, training programs, and green tourism practices.

A Sustainability Corner will showcase CTO’s regional commitment to resilience and environmental stewardship, while visitors will also learn about upcoming CTO events, including the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados in September and the Tourism Human Resources Conference in the British Virgin Islands in October. In addition, a general information area will provide resources on research, tourism development, and other priority programs.

As part of its contribution to the festival’s dialogue, CTO will also participate in a panel discussion on sustainability and cultural integration. Narendra Ramgulam, the organization’s Deputy Director for Sustainable Tourism, will represent CTO, emphasizing the importance of linking culture, tourism and sustainable development. “Through this pavilion and our participation in dialogue, CTO is underscoring the importance of embedding resilience and environmental stewardship into our tourism sector,” he said.

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper described the initiative as an opportunity for the region to present a unified message: “The Sustainability Pavilion allows us to tell the Caribbean’s story of resilience, innovation and leadership in sustainable tourism. Our presence at CARIFESTA demonstrates our commitment to advancing tourism that not only drives economic growth but also safeguards our cultural and environmental heritage.”

By participating in CARIFESTA XV, CTO reinforces its role as a regional leader committed to promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism through innovation, collaboration and education.