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CTO offers Caribbean tourism leaders exclusive training in airline route development

BARBADOS (February 12, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in partnership with >Airport Strategy & Marketing (ASM) has announced a landmark two-day training event focused on airline route development, scheduled for February 20-21, 2024, at the CTO Headquarters in Barbados.

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of the CTO, explained that “Aviation Marketing, Incentives & Negotiation” marks a significant milestone in the inter-governmental organization’s efforts to strengthen aerial highways to and from the region. “By collaborating with ASM, a part of Informa’s Aviation Week Network and a major international authority in global route development, we are bringing together the best in the field to provide an unparalleled learning experience for our tourism leaders,” she stated.

The event is geared towards high-level tourism professionals such as Ministers of Tourism, Directors of Tourism, CEOs, and other senior positions. It will offer in-depth knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as effective aviation marketing plans, successful incentive strategies, negotiation techniques for new airline routes, and the fundamentals of route development.

The training is expected to draw significant attention from industry leaders looking to gain an edge in the world of aviation due to its interactive approach; intimate, focused learning environment; and opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

The collaboration between CTO and ASM, a leader in aviation strategy and marketing and founder of the renowned Routes events, is a strategic move to bolster the Caribbean’s position in the worldwide aviation market. As the Caribbean continues to evolve as a key player in the global tourism industry, training and networking events are crucial for staying ahead in an increasingly competitive field, the Secretary-General posited.

“We encourage our key stakeholders to seize this unique opportunity to elevate their expertise related to airline route development and reshape their aviation strategies,” said Regis-Prosper.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the CTO on this two-day workshop. Airline negotiations and route support mechanisms have become such an important part of air service development, and this course will provide delegates with the understanding and the techniques required to come to new agreements with airlines that will help bolster the airlift of the Caribbean,” said David Stroud, Managing Director of Strategy and Consulting for Aviation Week Network.

The training session precedes Routes Americas 2024, the leading air service development event in the Americas, scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia from March 19-21. This key industry gathering will bring together senior professionals from airlines, airports and destinations, offering an efficient platform for building high-value relationships with key air service development decision-makers from across the region and beyond.

For more details or to register, interested parties may contact Faye Gill at fgill@caribtourism.com

CTO Chairman Hails Success of Business Meetings in Saint-Martin

SAINT-MARTIN (February 11, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) concluded its business meetings last week in Saint-Martin, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to strengthen and revitalize the Caribbean tourism sector. Under the direction of Chairman Kenneth Bryan, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, the CTO has embarked on a transformative journey to reimagine its role and impact within the global tourism landscape.

“When I took over as chairman (in 2022), we decided to go through a reimagining exercise and you can start to see the changes already,” said Chairman Bryan, citing the appointment of Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, the return of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda to the 25-member body, and the re-engagement of destinations such as Montserrat as examples of the progress made.

A highlight of the meetings was the presentation of a comprehensive plan for the year ahead by Regis-Prosper, the first woman appointed to the post in the organization’s history.

This year’s first series of business meetings focused on defining a strategic direction for the upcoming year and reviewing the organization’s accomplishments since Minister Bryan’s tenure began. “The discussions were fruitful and reflective of the vibrant spirit that characterizes our collective efforts,” stated Minister Bryan. “The CTO is moving towards a reimagined, revitalized and relevant future, with a clear focus on overcoming challenges through unity and shared vision,” he asserted.

A significant part of the meetings centered on the critical role of aviation in connecting the Caribbean. Chairman Bryan emphasized the commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and addressing the complexities of aviation logistics, highlighting a resolution to engage with key stakeholders, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and regional airlines, to advocate for increased seat capacity and facilitate more seamless travel within the Caribbean.

The group discussed the possibility of staging a Caribbean aviation conference: an assembly of airline and airport authority executives; hotel brands; tourism stakeholders; and government ministers with responsibility for tourism, civil aviation, regulatory and finance matters. “We need robust dialogue on the necessary changes to incentivize more connectivity within the region, so we’re going to put our foot down on the gas concerning this because it’s a serious concern for many members, particularly in the Eastern Caribbean.”

Reflecting on his tenure as chairman, Minister Bryan is encouraged by the progress made, particularly in stabilizing the organization’s fiscal position, increasing membership confidence, and positioning the CTO prominently in global tourism discussions. The CTO’s efforts have also focused on leveraging technology, artificial intelligence, and digital media to enhance the Caribbean’s appeal as the world’s leading warm-weather destination.

The CTO’s vision also encompasses a rebranding of the organization and a reinforcement of the foundational spirit of Caribbean kinship. “Our goal is to ensure that every member state feels tangible value from its involvement with the CTO, fostering a sense of belonging and collective achievement,” commented Minister Bryan.

He said CTO’s strategic direction, under the Secretary-General’s leadership, promises a dynamic and inclusive future for Caribbean tourism, one that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a deepened sense of regional camaraderie.

CTO Secretary-General Receives 2023 CMEX Leadership Award

MIAMI (December 5, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is exceedingly proud to announce that Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper has been honored by the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) with its 2023 Leadership Award.

At the awards luncheon and fundraising event, held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, Regis-Prosper was celebrated for more than two decades of leadership in a broad range of tourism- and hospitality-related positions, including being selected as the first female to lead the CTO, which serves as the tourism development agency for the Caribbean region.

Over the past nine years, Regis-Prosper has deftly overseen the management of new organizations as well as projects in several islands and territories, elevating their prominence in the Caribbean tourism landscape.

Her career has included roles as Director of Marketing and Product Development at the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, which she helped to transform into a more service-oriented organization while developing a customer service culture at the destination’s port facilities; Director of Business Development for Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica; CEO of the Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands, where she was responsible for the launch of the new cruise and shopping center facilities; and General Manager of the Antigua Cruise Port, overseeing the launch of the facility.

Joining Regis-Prosper in being honored at the 2023 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser, held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami this past weekend, were individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Caribbean tourism, hospitality and communications sectors, including:

• Ewald Biemans, Owner/CEO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba
• Rosa Harris, Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and Chairman, CTO Board of Directors
• Stan Hartling, Owner and CEO, The Hartling Group
• Joy Jibrilu, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board
• Nicola Madden-Greig, OD, President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
• Pat Montague, President/CEO, Pat Montague Marketing & Promotions
• Beverly Nicolson-Doty, CEO, Figment Design and former CTO Chairman
• Kevin O’Reggio, Strategic Account Director of Global Sales, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
• Michele Paige, CEO, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
• Julian Rogers MBE, Founder, MEDIAROGERS GROUP

Reflecting upon the day’s events, Regis-Prosper stated: “Today, I was filled with immense pride as I received the 2023 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Award in Miami. I am truly humbled to be recognized among a group of distinguished professionals who are working collaboratively to shape the future of Caribbean communications, tourism and hospitality. This event not only celebrated our achievements but also fostered deeper connections and ignited new conversations as we rally around the Caribbean.”

Regis-Prosper’s determined commitment to strategic planning, business development, policy formulation and implementation initiatives, and the development and execution of innovative strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean tourism on a global scale represent the core values of progress and sustainability for which CMEx is known.

CMEx was established to facilitate the exchange of best practices among communicators in the media and members of the public and private sectors, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, academia, community groups, and the youth.