Caribbean Week in New York Features Inaugural CTO Women’s Leadership Awards
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) celebrated its first-ever Women’s Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, honoring outstanding contributions to Caribbean tourism. Beverly Nicholson-Doty, a leading tourism marketing expert from the United States Virgin Islands, received the prestigious “Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award” at the “Caribbean Queens: Saluting Women Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism” Breakfast & Awards event at the InterContinental New York Times Square.
Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General & CEO, presented the award to Nicholson-Doty, recognizing her over 30-year career in tourism, including her current role as CEO of the Miami-based advertising agency Figment Design. Previously, Nicholson-Doty served as CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, where she significantly contributed to marketing, sales, and strategic planning initiatives, fostering partnerships across various sectors.
The awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of women advancing Caribbean tourism, with Directors and Ministers of Tourism from CTO member nations in attendance. Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin, received the Minister of Tourism Award, while Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, was honored with the Director of Tourism Award. These awards recognize exceptional leadership, destination development, and dedication to the region.
“The Women’s Leadership Awards have been instituted out of a need to recognize the vital role of women in Caribbean tourism. In nearly every corner of our industry, the contributions of women have been essential in driving the sector forward and elevating our industry to the highest levels. Women make up a substantial portion of the tourism workforce in the Caribbean, and their leadership is needed not only for the sector’s growth but also to inspire and empower future generations of women leaders,” said Regis-Prosper.
Audrey Irvine, Senior Director of Newsource Newsgathering at CNN, delivered an inspiring address, sharing her personal journey, career triumphs, and challenges. Rosa Harris, CTO Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Tourism of the Cayman Islands, also gave an uplifting speech.
The event was proudly sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Diamonds International. Caribbean Week in New York was headlined by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, with gold sponsors including the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Silver sponsorship came from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Jamaica Tourist Board, and Sandals Resorts International. ADARA – A RateGain Company supported the event as a bronze sponsor, with additional support from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, Marketplace Excellence, and S’Aimer NYC.
