Bridgetown, Barbados. - The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) joined the global commemoration of International Women's Day, highlighting the persistent gender disparities and celebrating the fundamental role women play in Caribbean tourism. Under the United Nations motto 'Rights. Action. For ALL women and girls', the organization urged joint efforts to eliminate discriminatory laws and social norms that violate the rights of the female population. Dona Regis-Prosper, who in 2023 became the first woman to assume the post of Secretary General and Executive Director of the CTO, made an urgent call to action. The head emphasized that defending these rights is essential not only in the realm of public policy but in all spaces where women lead and innovate. The organization's highest authority praised the daily impact of women in Caribbean tourism, mentioning their presence in the roles of ministers, executive directors, businesswomen, and young professionals. To give visibility to these achievements, the CTO will present the second edition of its annual magazine, 'From the Sea Suite', during the Caribbean Week in New York, scheduled from June 1 to 5, 2026. This publication will share the stories and opinions of the leaders who are shaping the future of the industry in the region. As part of its inclusion strategies, the new edition of the magazine will include a Directory of Women-Led Allied Members. According to Regis-Prosper, globally, women possess only 64% of the legal rights that men have, a statistic that shows that no country has fully closed this gap. This tool aims to showcase women-led businesses within the CTO community, facilitating the creation of alliances and new business opportunities. Regis-Prosper, from Saint Lucia, concluded by stating that representation is vital to opening doors for future generations, ensuring that progress towards sustainable and regenerative tourism requires a firm commitment to justice and decisive action.
