CTO Honors Trailblazing Women at 2025 Caribbean Week in New York

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) paid tribute to outstanding female leaders in the region's tourism industry during its second annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, held on the opening night of Caribbean Week in New York.

Conceived by CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, the elegant, invitation-only dinner took place at The Westin New York at Times Square under the theme "Elegance and Excellence." The evening featured performances by St. Lucian vocalist Michel Aubertin and The Legendary Supreme Team, setting the tone for a celebration of empowerment, recognition, and sisterhood in Caribbean tourism.

The keynote address was delivered by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, who shared her personal journey from travel agent to cruise line CEO. “My mantra has always been ‘aspire to inspire,’” she told the audience. “We really can’t inspire others — that’s their decision — but we can all strive to be inspiring.”

The emotional highlight of the evening came during the presentation of five major awards, honoring remarkable women whose stories revealed both the personal sacrifices and collective strength of women in the tourism sector:

• 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, Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts, Saint Lucia

• Legacy Award for Contribution to Caribbean Tourism: Thea LaFond, Dominica’s Olympic gold medalist in triple jump

• Recognition for Service: Petra Roach, outgoing CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority

In heartfelt speeches, honorees shared reflections on their journeys. Minister Marsha Henderson, also an attorney, spoke of the challenges and gender biases she faced in politics. Rosa Harris offered a deeply personal account of navigating leadership while balancing family responsibilities. Karolin Troubetzkoy, a 45-year tourism veteran and former president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, movingly accepted her award following the recent loss of her husband and business partner, Nick.

“It's not just polite words when I say I'm deeply humbled,” said Troubetzkoy. “This has been hard work. I’m my harshest critic.” She used her platform to highlight her current focus on biodiversity and conservation, adding, “With so many amazing women now at the helm, I know Caribbean tourism is in good hands.”

Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond delivered a powerful message of generational resilience. “Everything I am was built on the sacrifices and lessons of the women in my life — especially Caribbean women,” she said, as she accepted the Legacy Award.

The evening was filled with both reflection and joy. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, opened the event with wit and admiration: “You ladies are gathered to do what Caribbean women do best — shine, support and slay, in that exact order.” Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez emphasized the broader significance: “Tonight is more than a celebration, it’s a statement. This is a win for the entire region.”

The event also marked the launch of CTO’s first women’s leadership magazine, From the Sea Suite, spotlighting over 40 inspiring women in Caribbean tourism. Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin, featured on the cover, shared her own powerful testimony. Raised by a single mother of eight, she urged women to silence doubt and embrace opportunity: “Don’t ever let the fear of the unknown stop you from accessing your next chapter.”

The 2025 Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards were sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Carnival Corporation & plc, with support from CTO member countries and partners across the travel industry.