| Women in Caribbean tourism were celebrated in New York on Monday. |
| CTO Honors Trailblazing Women at 2025 Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner Awards |
| NEW YORK (June 3, 2025) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) celebrated the achievements of exceptional women across the region’s tourism landscape during its second annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, held on the opening night of Caribbean Week in New York. An initiative of CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, the elegant, invitation-only dinner was held at The Westin New York at Times Square under the theme “Elegance and Excellence.” With background entertainment by St. Lucian vocalist Michel Aubertin, and The Legendary Supreme Team, and speeches from several industry leaders, it was an evening of tribute, empowerment and sisterhood. The event unfolded with toasts, storytelling and a stirring keynote from Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, who chronicled her journey from travel agent to cruise line CEO: “My mantra has always been ‘aspire to inspire’. We really can’t inspire others. That’s up to each person, whether they feel or are inspired. But we can all aspire to do that.” The night’s emotional center came during the presentation of awards to five standout leaders, whose remarks peeled back the curtain on the personal cost and collective power of women in tourism. The awardees were: Minister of Tourism Award: Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts and NevisDirector of Tourism Award: Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman IslandsSecretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award: Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts, Saint LuciaLegacy Award for Contribution to Caribbean Tourism: Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic triple jump gold medalist, DominicaRecognition for Service: Petra Roach, Outgoing CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority “Leadership sometimes can be lonely — especially as a woman,” said Minister Marsha Henderson. An attorney-at-law, Minister Henderson spoke candidly about the expectations and biases she’s navigated in her political ascent. 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 leadership and life. She reflected on her experiences caring for her family, striving for excellence at home and work, and showing up with confidence and purpose. A poignant moment came when Karolin Troubetzkoy, the second female president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, accepted the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award. Battling a recent personal loss – her husband and business partner, Nick – she stood at the podium with unwavering resolve. “It’s not shallow words when I say I’m not only flattered — I’m really deeply humbled that you found me worthy,” she said. “It was hard work, and I’m my harshest critic.” Troubetzkoy, a 45-year veteran of Caribbean tourism, used her moment to reflect on shifting her energy toward biodiversity and conservation. “Now that I’m surrounded by so many wonderful women, I knew for the last few years that Caribbean tourism was in excellent hands,” she said. The awards ceremony also recognized Petra Roach, outgoing CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, and Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond, who accepted the Legacy Award for her global ambassadorship of 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 — specifically the Caribbean women,” LaFond said. Beyond the honorees, the night offered its share of sharp commentary and celebratory laughter. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, set the tone early with a blend of humor and homage. “You ladies are gathered … to do what Caribbean women do best — shine, support and slay in that exact order,” he said. “The world may be 70% water, but tonight it’s 100% women making waves.” Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles “Max” Fernandez, struck a reflective chord as he spoke about the economic gains of gender-inclusive leadership. “Tonight is more than a celebration, it’s a statement — and this is a regional win.” The event also marked the official launch of CTO’s inaugural women’s leadership magazine, From the Sea Suite, spotlighting more than 40 remarkable women in Caribbean tourism, created to honor the women who have long been the industry’s quiet engine — and now, increasingly, its visible force. Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture of Saint-Martin, featured on the cover of the magazine, spoke of overcoming internal doubts and external expectations during her remarks. She reflected on her journey from humble beginnings — raised by a single mother of eight — to becoming a leader in Caribbean tourism, emphasizing the power of self-trust, breaking barriers, and defying the notion that leadership belongs to men. “Don’t ever let the fear of the unknown stop you from accessing your next chapter,” she encouraged. The 2025 Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards was sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Carnival Corporation & plc with support from CTO member countries and industry partners. |
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| Minister Marsha Henderson of St. Kitts & Nevis received top honors in New York on Monday. She is pictured here with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper. |
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| Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism in the Cayman Islands, was celebrated. |
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| Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, delivered an inspiring keynote address. |
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| Karolin Troubetzkoy received the Secretary-General’s Award for Distinguished Service. |
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| Thea LaFond: the pride of Dominica and the Caribbean. |
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| Petra Roach was recognized during the celebration dinner. |
| About the Caribbean Tourism OrganizationThe Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology. The CTO’s headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026. Tel: +1 246 427-5242; Email: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com |
