Caribbean tourism received glowing accolades at the 25th Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards, which took place during ITB Berlin last week. The region’s remarkable impact on global tourism was celebrated across several categories, with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and its Secretary-General, Dona Regis-Prosper, earning top distinctions.
The CTO was honored as the Best Regional Tourism Organization, highlighting its dedicated efforts to enhance the Caribbean tourism industry through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Furthermore, Regis-Prosper was recognized for her Individual Excellence in Tourism Development, applauding her visionary leadership in revitalizing the organization in under two years.
“This honor is a reflection of the dedication and resilience of the entire Caribbean tourism industry, including our very capable leaders,” said Regis-Prosper. “The CTO will continue to champion initiatives that enhance our destinations, foster partnerships, and ensure the region remains a world-class tourism powerhouse,” she added, thanking the Cayman Islands and Barbados for their chairmanship of the organization during her tenure.
Caribbean Leaders and Destinations Shine with Prestigious Tourism Awards
At the forefront of this year’s tourism celebrations, several Caribbean leaders and destinations were honored for their exceptional contributions to the region’s tourism industry:
Outstanding Leadership in Tourism
- Edmund Bartlett (Jamaica) – Tourism Minister of the Year for Innovation
- Marsha Henderson (St. Kitts & Nevis) – Woman Tourism Minister of the Year for the Caribbean
- Oneidge Walrond (Guyana) – Tourism Minister of the Year for Ecological Tourism
- Carlos James (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – Tourism Minister of the Year for Sustainable Tourism
Award-Winning Caribbean Destinations
- Jamaica – Destination of the Year for Romance
- Guyana – Destination of the Year for Natural Attractions
- Nassau & Paradise Island – Destination of the Year for Marine Tourism
- St. Vincent & the Grenadines – Destination of the Year for Eco-Adventures
- St. Kitts & Nevis – Destination of the Year for Hidden Treasures
The Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) in Jamaica was named Best Venue for Meetings & Conferences, while Mureen James, Executive Director of MBCC, received a Gold Award for Hospitality Operations. Joy Jibrilu, CEO of the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, was honored with the Caribbean Destination Management Award.
The accolades were presented by Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary-General of PATWA, and Dr. Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, underscoring the Caribbean’s pivotal role in the global tourism sector.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right: Mureen James (MBCC), Joy Jibrilu (NPIPB), Narendra Ramgulam, Dona Regis-Prosper (CTO), Florian Valmy-Devillers (CTO Chapter UK & Europe), Melnecia Marshall, Minister Marsha Henderson (St. Kitts & Nevis), Minister Carlos James (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Chevannes Barragan De Luz (Jamaica Tourist Board), and Denar Brown (MBCC).
The post Caribbean Tourism Leaders Make Waves at ITB Berlin’s PATWA Summit, with Caribbean Tourism Organization and Dona Regis-Prosper in the Spotlight appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
