TLDR:
– Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024 and announces the theme for the year as “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity.”
– CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper emphasizes inclusivity, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices in the Caribbean.
– The CTO reflects on the resilience of the Caribbean tourism sector in 2023 and highlights successful events and initiatives.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is marking its 35th anniversary in 2024 with the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity.” CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper invites tourism stakeholders in the region to join in a yearlong celebration of the rich cultures, landscapes, and experiences that define the Caribbean. The theme emphasizes the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices.
Regis-Prosper acknowledges the challenges faced by the Caribbean tourism sector in 2023 but also highlights its remarkable strength and adaptability. The CTO successfully reintroduced hallmark events such as Caribbean Week in New York and the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). The region also revitalized its tourism offerings, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of visitors.
The Secretary-General commends members for their strides in sustainable tourism and emphasizes the CTO’s focus on effective communication. Research plays a critical role in reimagining Caribbean tourism, and the CTO aims to position itself as a leading research authority in the field. Regis-Prosper also highlights the importance of hosting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s hospitality, cultural richness, and sporting prowess to the global community.
Stakeholders in the industry are encouraged to join the CTO in promoting the region’s tourism. The CTO is eager to engage with industry officials at upcoming events, including the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in April 2024. The organization’s priorities for the new year include sustainable tourism, membership services, communication and market engagement, research, and revitalization.
The CTO, headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership from various countries and territories. Its vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable year-round warm-weather destination. The organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning and execution, and research and information technology.
In summary, the CTO celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024 with a focus on connecting the globe and celebrating diversity in the Caribbean. The organization recognizes the resilience and adaptability of the region’s tourism sector and plans to prioritize sustainable tourism, membership services, communication, research, and revitalization in the coming year. Stakeholders are encouraged to join the CTO in promoting the region and engaging in upcoming events.