SOTIC

Anguilla’s Amarni Webster wins 2026 CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (Oct. 9, 2026) — Anguilla’s Amarni Webster has been named the winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 2026 Regional Tourism Youth Congress, emerging from a field of 18 young delegates to earn the title of Regional Junior Minister of Tourism.

Held as part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana on Thursday, the congress provided a platform for young Caribbean leaders to share their ideas for the future of the region’s tourism industry under the theme “Caribbean Tourism Through the Eyes of Tomorrow.”

Webster, a student at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, impressed the judges with a presentation that highlighted the importance of developing young talent, strengthening skills and expanding access to meaningful employment opportunities in tourism. As Regional Junior Minister of Tourism, Webster will be mentored by a team representing lead sponsor Carnival Corporation.

Second place went to Raia Cargill of Sunland Baptist Academy in The Bahamas, who will serve as junior CTO secretary-general and be mentored by CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, gaining firsthand exposure to regional tourism leadership and the work of the organization.

Jahneil McKenzie of Daryll Jordan Secondary School in Barbados placed third, while Janica Adams of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies received special mention.

The congress was chaired by Jolé St. John of Tobago, the 2025 winner, and challenged participants to demonstrate their research, public speaking, critical thinking and ability to respond to issues affecting Caribbean tourism.

“Congratulations to Amarni and to every delegate who brought their ideas, preparation and passion to this year’s congress,” Regis-Prosper said. “These young people deserve opportunities to help shape the industry they will inherit. Investing in their development is an investment in the region’s future.”

Beyond the competition, the youth program created opportunities for delegates to connect with students, educators and youth organizations in the host destination.

Through the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, CTO continues to strengthen youth participation in tourism, develop emerging leaders and ensure that young Caribbean voices contribute to the sector’s future.

SOTIC is supported by official conference partners Amadeus and the Inter-American Development Bank, Tourism Intelligence Awards sponsor ASM Global Route Development, contributing sponsors the Association of Value Airlines, Digicel Business and Atlantic Suites Hotel, Youth Congress sponsor Carnival Corporation, and official airline partner interCaribbean Airways.

William “Billy” Griffith returns as chair of CTO Allied Board

Danny Cohanpour reelected as three new members join for the 2026-2028 term

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (Oct. 9, 2026) — William “Billy” Griffith has been reelected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Allied Board, leading a five-member team that brings experience in destination marketing, workforce development, cruise operations and travel technology to the organization’s regional tourism agenda.

Griffith, managing director of WCG Consulting Ltd., joins returning board member Danny Cohanpour, founder and CEO of Trove Tourism Development Advisors, for the 2026-2028 term.

Newly elected members are Amrita Bhalla, managing director of A.B Consulting; Joseph Boschulte, president and CEO of The West Indian Company Ltd. (WICO); and Christos Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Visitor Card LLC.

The election took place Oct. 6, coinciding with CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana.

“A strong allied membership connects CTO’s regional priorities with the skills and resources needed to advance them,” said CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper as she congratulated the new board. “This team brings complementary perspectives that will support our work to strengthen Caribbean tourism, develop our people and expand opportunities through public-private collaboration.”

Griffith, chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, brings more than four decades of tourism and hospitality experience, including previous roles as Bermuda’s director of tourism and CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Cohanpour’s work spans tourism marketing and destination development. During his previous term, he launched the Allied Member Insights Series to increase knowledge sharing and engagement.

Bhalla brings more than two decades of human resources and hospitality leadership experience, with a focus on workforce development and talent strategy. Boschulte, a former U.S. Virgin Islands tourism commissioner, combines destination leadership with experience in cruise port operations. Shepherd previously served as chief commercial officer of JetBlue Travel Products, where he was responsible for the commercial performance of JetBlue Vacations.

The Allied Board represents allied members’ interests on CTO’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Its responsibilities include recommending regional tourism programs, helping grow the organization’s nongovernment membership and coordinating activities that connect allied members with government members at major CTO events.

SOTIC is supported by official conference partners Amadeus and the Inter-American Development Bank, Tourism Intelligence Awards sponsor ASM Global Route Development, contributing sponsors the Association of Value Airlines, Digicel Business and Atlantic Suites Hotel, Youth Congress sponsor Carnival Corporation, and official airline partner interCaribbean Airways.

Antigua and Barbuda elected chair of Caribbean Tourism Organization

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (Oct. 6, 2026) — Antigua and Barbuda has been elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Charles “Max” Fernandez assuming leadership of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism as the organization advances its tourism development agenda.

Following today’s Annual General Meeting, Fernandez succeeds Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, whose two-year chairmanship helped advance CTO’s Reimagine Plan and strengthen collaboration among member countries, industry partners and regional stakeholders.

At the Board of Directors level, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James will assume the chairmanship, succeeding Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

The Board also elected vice chairs representing CTO’s subregions. The United States Virgin Islands will represent the U.S. territories; the British Virgin Islands will represent the British overseas territories; Saint-Martin will represent the French-speaking territories; and St. Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas were elected to represent CARICOM countries. Selection of a representative for the Dutch-speaking territories was deferred until the next meeting.

The six subregional vice chair positions, together with the Board chairman, comprise the Executive Committee of the CTO Board of Directors.

During Barbados’ tenure, CTO continued implementation of its Reimagine Plan, centered on five strategic pillars: advocacy, market competitiveness, tourism intelligence, sustainable and regenerative tourism, and people development.

The organization also expanded its focus on strengthening the tourism supply side, including workforce development, local supplier integration, infrastructure, logistics, technology and stronger linkages between tourism and sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industries.

Gooding-Edghill consistently emphasized regional collaboration and the importance of the Caribbean speaking with a stronger collective voice while sharing knowledge, expertise and common priorities.

CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper thanked Barbados for its leadership and welcomed Antigua and Barbuda to the chairmanship as the organization moves forward with the continued implementation of its strategic priorities.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Minister Gooding-Edghill and CEO Andrea Franklin for their stewardship, commitment to regional collaboration and the leadership they have provided as CTO advanced the Reimagine Plan,” said Regis-Prosper. “We welcome Minister Fernandez and CEO James as they take on their respective roles at an important point in CTO’s evolution as we continue translating our strategy into meaningful action and greater value for our members and the wider Caribbean tourism sector.”

The election took place ahead of Wednesday’s opening of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026.

Held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” SOTIC is CTO’s principal forum for bringing together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, regional and international partners, academics, media, young people and other industry stakeholders to examine the issues shaping Caribbean tourism.

SOTIC is supported by official conference partners Amadeus and the Inter-American Development Bank, Tourism Intelligence Awards sponsor ASM Global Route Development, contributing sponsors the Association of Value Airlines, Digicel Business and Atlantic Suites Hotel, Youth Congress sponsor Carnival Corporation, and official airline partner interCaribbean Airways.