The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announced plans to introduce a new scholarship scheme aimed at supporting the next generation of Caribbean women in the travel industry. The official launch will take place on 1 June during the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards.
Titled “From Her to Her: From Today’s Female Leaders to Tomorrow’s Tourism Stars,” the educational programme was designed to provide annual financial aid to a selected female student from the Caribbean who is pursuing professional studies and a career path in tourism. All generated proceeds from the upcoming June event will go directly toward funding this scholarship via the CTO Foundation.
The dinner and awards ceremony will be held at the InterContinental New York Times Square as part of the broader Caribbean Week in New York. The evening will celebrate prominent female figures within the sector, including regional tourism ministers and directors. Organizers will also present the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Awards and introduce a new Hall of Fame designation to honor exceptional industry leadership.
“As the first female secretary-general of CTO, fostering opportunities for women in tourism is both a professional priority and a personal passion,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO secretary-general. “This scholarship embodies the spirit of mentorship, legacy and opportunity. We are investing in the talent that will shape the future of our region’s most vital industry.”
Jacqueline Johnson, Chairman of the CTO Foundation, added: “This initiative effectively captures the spirit of mentorship and the legacy we aim to build. The CTO Foundation team looks forward to a successful launch and to supporting the next generation of Caribbean women leaders in tourism.”
Corporate partners such as Virgin Voyages, Diamonds International and TRÈFLE have already committed their backing to the cause, while the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority signed on as the primary sponsor for the dinner. Individual tickets for the ceremony are priced at US $199, with registration scheduled to close on Friday, 22 May due to limited capacity.
A wide network of corporate and regional entities is backing the wider Caribbean Week in New York. The United States Virgin Islands serves as the Platinum Elite sponsor, alongside Gold Elite partners Antigua & Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands. The Bahamas and St. Kitts joined as Gold sponsors, whilst Silver support comes from Sandals, Global Ports Holding and SITA. Additional backing includes Bronze sponsors like Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and Trove Tourism Development Advisors, alongside various contributing and regional showcase partners.
