The Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2025, held in vibrant Antigua, has once again proven itself to be more than a trade event — it is a gathering of the region’s most passionate, forward-thinking tourism leaders. As Breaking Travel News continued its live video coverage, conversations with top executives, marketers, and hoteliers offered powerful insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping Caribbean tourism in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
At the heart of this year’s dialogue is the theme of resilience, reinvention, and collaboration. From island-wide strategies to boutique resort experiences, each interview spotlighted a unique facet of the Caribbean’s rich and diverse tourism ecosystem.
Tourism Leadership in Action
Several national tourism heads shared their strategic priorities:
• Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, emphasized Aruba’s strong commitment to sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and community engagement.
• Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, reflected on product diversification, balancing the island’s luxury appeal with cultural authenticity.
• Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., discussed year-round tourism, investment attraction, and elevating the island’s global visibility.
• Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, highlighted aviation connectivity and multi-island experiences.
• Kelly Fontanelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, spoke about destination rebranding and the role of wellness and heritage in modern Caribbean travel.
• Sandra Orr Toney, Acting CEO of the Tobago Tourism Authority, underscored eco-tourism, cultural storytelling, and sustainable visitor growth.
• Gary Hendricks Dominguez, Deputy Director at the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, discussed positioning Cayman as a luxury-forward but accessible destination.
• Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, brought attention to Jamaica’s blend of world-class entertainment, heritage, and investment-ready infrastructure.
Driving Destination Marketing and Events
• Denar Brown, Director of Marketing, Sales & Events at the Montego Bay Convention Center, spoke about Jamaica’s potential in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism and positioning Montego Bay as a top-tier conference hub.
• T’Sa Michael, Managing Director of Caribbean Lifestyle Services and Ambassador of Antigua, spoke passionately about empowering small businesses through tourism promotion and cultural alignment.
Hospitality & Resort Excellence
The hotel and resort sector was well represented with strong voices advocating for personalized service, sustainability, and brand storytelling:
• Kerisha Fisher Forbes, Sales Manager at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, discussed luxury hospitality rooted in heritage and service excellence.
• Crescenzia Biemans, CCO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, highlighted her resort’s leadership in sustainability and eco-conscious guest experiences.
• Lorna Francis, General Manager at Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat, shared insights on cocoa-inspired wellness tourism and sustainable agritourism models.
• Cameron Fraser, Director of Moon Gate Hotel & Spa, spoke about crafting boutique luxury that celebrates Caribbean identity.
• Gerald Buck, Business & Commercial Development Director at Elite Island Resorts, emphasized multi-island offerings, value-driven travel, and guest retention.
Rising Stars & Supporting Voices
New and supporting voices added valuable perspective on branding, marketing, and operational excellence:
• Miranda Doyle, Executive Assistant at Intimate Hotels of Barbados, discussed support for small independent properties and grassroots partnerships.
• Avlin Taylor, Marketing Officer for Coco Reef Resorts, spoke about connecting legacy brands with new-generation travelers.
• Donna Munroe, Brand Representative for the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board, highlighted recovery narratives and community-driven tourism promotion.
• George Hunter, Vice President of Leisure Sales at Posadas, addressed expanding Caribbean partnerships and integrating regional inventory into international sales channels.
The Industry Pulse: Guided by Experience and Vision
Rounding out the list, Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), offered a holistic industry view. She championed regional collaboration, innovation in tourism delivery, and the need for digital acceleration and workforce development.
A Region on the Rise
The interviews at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 reveal a region united by passion, innovation, and resilience. Whether it’s through eco-forward strategies, boutique hotel experiences, large-scale convention growth, or inter-island collaboration, these tourism leaders are defining the Caribbean not only as a destination but as a movement — one rooted in culture, community, and forward-thinking travel.
As CTM 2025 continues, one message rings clear: the Caribbean isn’t just ready for the future — it’s leading the way.
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