Pictured L-R are Mureen James (MBCC), Joy Jibrilu (NPIPB), Narendra Ramgulam and Dona Regis-Prosper (CTO), Florian Valmy-Devillers (CTO Chapter UK & Europe), Melnecia Marshall and 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).

Caribbean tourism leadership was showered with high praise at the 25th edition of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards, held during ITB Berlin last week. The region’s exceptional contributions to global tourism were recognized across multiple categories, with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and its Secretary-General, Dona Regis-Prosper, receiving top honors.

The CTO was named Best Organization – Regional Tourism, a testament to its unwavering commitment to strengthening the Caribbean’s tourism sector through innovation, collaboration and sustainability. Additionally, Regis-Prosper was awarded for Individual Excellence (Tourism Development), recognizing her leadership and stewardship over a revitalized organization in less than 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 Take Center Stage
Several Caribbean ministers and destinations also received prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to tourism:

Exemplary Tourism Leadership
Edmund Bartlett (Jamaica) – Tourism Minister of the Year – Innovation
Marsha Henderson (St. Kitts & Nevis) – Woman Tourism Minister of the Year – Caribbean
Oneidge Walrond (Guyana) – Tourism Minister of the Year – Ecological Tourism
Carlos James (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – Tourism Minister of the Year – 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 received the Best Venue for Meetings & Conferences award, while Mureen James, Executive Director of MBCC, was honored with a Gold Award for Hospitality Operations. Additionally, Joy Jibrilu, CEO of the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB), was recognized with the Caribbean Destination Management Award.

The awards were presented by PATWA Secretary-General Yatan Ahluwalia and Dr. Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, and highlighted the Caribbean’s continued influence in shaping the global tourism landscape.