The Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The election took place during the CTO’s Annual General Meeting, held in the Cayman Islands on September 3, 2024. Minister Gooding-Edghill’s election marks a significant moment for Barbados and the wider Caribbean tourism sector. As Chairman, he will lead the CTO’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism for the next two years, guiding the organization’s strategic efforts to enhance and promote tourism across the region.

Minister Gooding-Edghill said:

“We are all in this together. We have a lot of work to do,” he stated. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, Minister Bryan … for all that you’ve contributed over the last two years. Under my leadership, with the help of all of my colleagues, we will certainly continue to advance the cause of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.”

In addition to Gooding-Edghill’s appointment, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Andrea Franklin, assumes the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of the CTO. Speaking on the appointment, Franklin stated:

“I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors across the region to enhance strategies for marketing the region collectively, and addressing the challenges that the Caribbean faces as it relates to climate resilience, improved airlift capacity, and overall product development.”

Barbados takes the baton from the Cayman Islands, where Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan and Tourism Director Rosa Harris have recently concluded their terms. Their tenure is noted for several significant accomplishments, including the election of Dona Regis-Prosper as the new Secretary General and CEO, a comprehensive organizational restructuring, and revitalizing member engagement, notably re-incorporating the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda into the fold.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation is based in Barbados. It is the principal agency with responsibility for promoting and developing Caribbean tourism, with a diverse membership that spans the English, Dutch and French speaking countries, along with private sector entities.