The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has appointed Dona Regis-Prosper as the new secretary-general and CEO. Regis-Prosper, who hails from St. Lucia, is set to make history as the first woman to assume leadership of the intergovernmental body when she steps into her role on September 1.
With a career spanning over 22 years, Regis-Prosper brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry to the CTO. She has lived and worked in multiple Caribbean destinations, and served as director of marketing and product development of the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority; director of business development for Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica; CEO of the Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands; and general manager of the Antigua Cruise Port, where she is currently employed.
Kenneth Bryan, chairman of the CTO and the minister of tourism and ports of the Cayman Islands, said “We are extremely pleased to have Dona Regis-Prosper come on board to lead the CTO. Her vast experience, strategic insight and impressive track record in the tourism sector make her an exceptional choice to propel our organization into a new era." He added: "Having more women in positions of influence enhances the efficiency of the region’s major economic earner and sends positive messages of encouragement and inspiration for women and girls across the Caribbean.”
Bryan disclosed that throughout the selection process, ministers, commissioners and directors lauded Regis-Prosper’s transformational leadership style. “They found her to be innovative, forward-thinking, results-driven and solution-oriented,” he said, noting that her perspective on managing the climate crisis was particularly well-received, illustrating her passion for sustainability and her ability to develop practical solutions to critical industry issues.
Regis-Prosper takes over the organization’s leadership reins from Acting Secretary General and CEO Neil Walters, CTO’s director of finance and resource management, who has taken up the role following the retirement of Hugh Riley in 2019. The other two Caribbean tourism professionals to serve in the region’s top tourism post include the late tourism stalwart Jean Holder and Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, former Bahamas director general and minister of tourism.
Regis-Prosper said, “I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as secretary general of the CTO and am grateful for the trust and confidence the CTO council of ministers and commissioners of tourism and the board of directors have placed in me. I eagerly look forward to working with our dedicated team and diverse stakeholders to promote the Caribbean tourism sector, champion sustainability, and continue to foster impactful relationships and deliver ROI for our members.”
With significant experience in business development, strategy, marketing and sustainability, Regis-Prosper is well able to lead the Caribbean tourism sector into a bright and prosperous future, Bryan added.
For more information, visit www.OneCaribbean.org.
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