Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards Celebrate Inspirational Female Leaders at 2025 Ceremony – Travel And Tour World

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) kicked off Caribbean Week 2025 by hosting the second annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, celebrating the remarkable contributions of female leaders across the tourism sector in the region. The event, held at the Westin New York at Times Square, attracted industry professionals, dignitaries, and tourism stakeholders to honor the achievements of exceptional women whose leadership has shaped the Caribbean tourism landscape.

This prestigious event, an initiative by CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, was organized with the theme “Elegance and Excellence”, and featured inspiring speeches, empowering remarks, and performances by Michel Aubertin, a St. Lucian vocalist, and The Legendary Supreme Team.

The evening, filled with toasts, storytelling, and a heartfelt keynote by Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, highlighted the achievements and personal journeys of the awardees.

The Honorees: Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism

The evening culminated with the presentation of several prestigious awards, recognizing women for their outstanding leadership in tourism, advocacy for cultural preservation, and significant contributions to the region’s economic development.

The awardees were:

• Minister of Tourism Award: Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis
• Director of Tourism Award: Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands
• Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award: Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts, Saint Lucia
• Legacy Award for Contribution to Caribbean Tourism: Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic Triple Jump Gold Medalist, Dominica
• Recognition for Service: Petra Roach, Outgoing CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority

Women Leaders Reflect on Challenges and Achievements

The event was a celebration of the resilience and commitment of women in leadership roles in Caribbean tourism, who have navigated numerous challenges while driving progress and development.

Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts and Nevis, shared her reflections on leadership, saying, “Leadership sometimes can be lonely — especially as a woman.” As an attorney-at-law, Henderson discussed the expectations and biases she has navigated in her political ascent, emphasizing the importance of overcoming personal and professional obstacles to achieve success.

Rosa Harris, who recently served as the Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors, delivered a deeply personal speech, reflecting on the dual roles women balance in both leadership and personal life. She spoke candidly about caregiving, family responsibilities, and the importance of confidence and purpose in leadership.

Karolin Troubetzkoy’s Unwavering Dedication to Caribbean Tourism

Karolin Troubetzkoy, the second female president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, received the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award. Troubetzkoy, a seasoned leader in the Caribbean tourism industry, spoke poignantly about her personal loss of her husband and business partner, Nick, and her continued dedication to the sustainable development of Caribbean tourism.

Troubetzkoy, a 45-year veteran of Caribbean tourism, also used her acceptance speech to focus on the importance of biodiversity and conservation in the tourism industry. “I knew for the last few years that Caribbean tourism was in excellent hands,” she said, showing deep confidence in the growing role of women in leadership.

Inspiring Remarks from Petra Roach and Thea LaFond

Petra Roach, the outgoing CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, was recognized for her significant contributions to the tourism sector in Grenada. Roach spoke about her journey of service and growth, inspiring future generations of women in tourism leadership roles.

Meanwhile, Thea LaFond, the 2024 Olympic Triple Jump Gold Medalist from Dominica, was honored with the Legacy Award for her global ambassador role in promoting Caribbean excellence. “Everything that I am, everything I was raised on was off the backs and off the prototypes and off the trial and errors of the women in my life,” said LaFond, emphasizing the profound impact that Caribbean women have had on her success and the region’s reputation globally.

Emphasizing the Importance of Gender-Inclusive Leadership

The evening also saw remarks from other distinguished attendees, including Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, who lightened the mood with humor while paying tribute to the women in attendance. “You ladies are gathered… to do what Caribbean women do best — shine, support, and slay in that exact order,” James said, to resounding applause.

Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda, spoke about the economic gains of gender-inclusive leadership in the Caribbean. He noted, “Tonight is more than a celebration, it’s a statement — and this is a regional win,” underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in Caribbean tourism leadership.

The Launch of ‘From the Sea Suite’ Women’s Leadership Magazine

A significant part of the evening’s program was the official launch of the CTO’s inaugural women’s leadership magazine, titled From the Sea Suite. The magazine highlights the incredible stories of 40 remarkable women in Caribbean tourism, many of whom have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to drive the industry forward. The magazine is a tribute to the women who have been the quiet engine of the tourism sector and are now stepping into the spotlight as leading forces in the industry.

Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture of Saint-Martin, graced the cover of the magazine and shared her personal journey of overcoming internal doubts and external expectations. Reflecting on her rise from humble beginnings, Damaseau emphasized the power of self-trust and the importance of breaking barriers in the tourism industry. “Don’t ever let the fear of the unknown stop you from accessing your next chapter,” she encouraged, urging others to follow their own leadership journeys.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Women in Tourism

The 2025 Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards not only celebrated the accomplishments of individual women but also highlighted the collective progress that has been made in the region’s tourism sector. This event underscored the growing importance of gender-inclusive leadership in tourism and the need for continued efforts to promote women’s empowerment and leadership in the industry.

As the Caribbean continues to recover from global challenges and reshape its tourism future, events like the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards offer a vital space for recognition, collaboration, and inspiration. The region’s tourism industry is evolving, and with the leadership of these exceptional women, it is clear that the future of Caribbean tourism is in capable hands.

For more information about the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards and future initiatives by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit the CTO website and stay updated on efforts to empower women in tourism across the Caribbean.

Conclusion

The Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards is an annual celebration of the women who have helped shape the future of Caribbean tourism.

Through their leadership, resilience, and innovation, these women continue to inspire and drive positive change, paving the way for the next generation of tourism leaders across the Caribbean. The region’s commitment to gender-inclusive leadership promises to strengthen the tourism sector and create more opportunities for women in the industry.