CTO to launch scholarship fund for Caribbean women in tourism | News
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will launch a new scholarship fund focused on empowering the next generation of Caribbean women in tourism at its Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards on June 1.
Titled “From Hair to Hair: From Today’s Women Leaders to Tomorrow’s Tourism Stars,” the program will provide annual support to a promising female student from the Caribbean pursuing studies and a career in tourism. All proceeds from the June 1 event will directly fund the fair through the CTO Foundation.
The dinner and awards ceremony at the InterContinental New York Times Square during New York’s Caribbean Week will honor leading female celebrities in Caribbean tourism. Winners include ministers and directors of tourism from across the region, recipients of the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Awards, and individuals inducted into a new Hall of Fame designation recognizing outstanding leadership.
“As the first female Secretary General of CTO, promoting opportunities for women in tourism is both a professional priority and a personal passion,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General of the CTO. “This grant 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, President of the CTO Foundation, added: “This initiative effectively reflects the spirit of mentorship and the legacy we want to build. The CTO Foundation team looks forward to a successful launch and supporting the next generation of Caribbean women leaders in tourism.”
Valued partners including Virgin Voyages, Diamonds International and TRÈFLE have already pledged their support, with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority sponsoring the dinner event. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and leadership development in Caribbean tourism.
The Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards is part of the Caribbean Week 2026 celebrations. Tickets cost US$199 per person. There is limited space and registration for the dinner closes on Friday, May 22.
Caribbean Week in New York is supported by the following sponsors:
Platinum Elite: US Virgin Islands
Gold Elite: Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands
Gold: The Bahamas, St. Kitts
Silver: Sandals, Global Ports Holding, SITA
Bronze: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Sojern, Travel & Adventure Show, Trove Tourism Development Advisors
Contributing Sponsors: Diamonds International, Expedia Group, Travel Unity, TRÈFLE (British Virgin Islands), Virgin Voyages
Regional sponsors of the Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase: Inter-American Development Bank, Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean
For more information about the dinner and prices, visit https://forms.gle/m5cmQBVaT5hir2sp7.
For more information about Caribbean Week in New York, visit caribbeanweek.onecaribbean.org.
