Antigua and Barbuda served as title sponsor of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner and Awards on Monday evening, as regional tourism officials convened in New York for Caribbean Week. According to Antigua News Room, the event brought together female leaders, entrepreneurs and tourism professionals from across the Caribbean to recognise the contributions of women to the region's tourism industry and to inspire future generations of industry leaders.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez delivered welcoming remarks, speaking to Antigua and Barbuda's commitment to honouring women whose work drives the success of the country's tourism sector. The evening also featured a special prayer led by Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, offered in honour of the women in attendance.
Organisers noted that the awards celebrated not only women in senior leadership positions but also the many professionals working across all levels of the tourism industry — including hoteliers, marketers, entrepreneurs, administrators and public servants whose collective efforts sustain the region's tourism economy.
The gathering also marked the launch of a significant new initiative by the CTO Foundation. The scholarship programme, titled "From Her to Her: From Today's Female Leaders to Tomorrow's Tourism Stars," aims to support the development of emerging tourism professionals across the Caribbean.
The awards dinner formed part of the broader Caribbean Week in New York programme, which annually brings together tourism stakeholders from across the region to engage on industry trends, opportunities and challenges.
