The Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2025, hosted in the colorful and culturally rich setting of Antigua, confirmed once again that this annual event is much more than a business gathering — it is a showcase of bold leadership and visionary planning across the Caribbean’s tourism sector. Breaking Travel News continued its live coverage, capturing compelling insights from high-level executives, marketers, and hospitality leaders who are steering the industry through transformation in a shifting global landscape.
A Shared Commitment to Progress
This year’s conversations revolved around resilience, innovation, and unity. From comprehensive national strategies to unique boutique resort stories, each interview highlighted how the region’s diverse tourism stakeholders are navigating challenges while seizing new opportunities.
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National Leaders Driving Strategic Change
The region’s tourism chiefs laid out focused priorities that reflect both the uniqueness of their destinations and shared regional aspirations:
- Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, stressed Aruba’s drive toward sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive tourism practices.
- Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, detailed efforts to blend luxury with authentic cultural experiences.
- Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., spotlighted year-round visitor engagement, foreign investment, and strengthening global brand visibility.
- Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, emphasized improving airlift and promoting multi-island travel.
- Kelly Fontanelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, shared updates on destination rebranding, wellness integration, and heritage tourism.
- Sandra Orr Toney, Acting CEO of the Tobago Tourism Authority, focused on eco-tourism, cultural storytelling, and sustainable growth models.
- Gary Hendricks Dominguez, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, emphasized a strategy of luxury tourism with broad accessibility.
- Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, discussed Jamaica’s competitive edge in entertainment, heritage, and infrastructure investment.
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Elevating Events and Destination Marketing
The importance of MICE tourism and cultural promotion took center stage:
- Denar Brown, Director of Marketing at the Montego Bay Convention Center, advocated for positioning Jamaica as a world-class meetings and events destination.
- T’Sa Michael, Managing Director of Caribbean Lifestyle Services and Antigua Tourism Ambassador, spoke on empowering small businesses and aligning tourism with cultural heritage.
Hospitality Sector Champions Service, Sustainability, and Storytelling
Hotel and resort leaders emphasized quality service and environmental responsibility:
- Kerisha Fisher Forbes, Sales Manager at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, discussed excellence in heritage-driven hospitality.
- Crescenzia Biemans, CCO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, highlighted industry-leading sustainability practices.
- Lorna Francis, GM of Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat, shared a unique model merging wellness with agritourism.
- Cameron Fraser, Director of Moon Gate Hotel & Spa, promoted boutique luxury anchored in Caribbean identity.
- Gerald Buck, Director at Elite Island Resorts, underscored value-focused multi-island experiences and strong guest loyalty strategies.
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Fresh Voices Champion Innovation and Inclusion
Emerging leaders and marketing professionals contributed fresh energy and new ideas:
- Miranda Doyle, Executive Assistant at Intimate Hotels of Barbados, highlighted the importance of grassroots partnerships and support for small properties.
- Avlin Taylor, Marketing Officer at Coco Reef Resorts, focused on refreshing legacy brands for today’s travelers.
- Donna Munroe, Brand Representative for Grand Bahama Island, shared stories of community-led recovery and growth.
- George Hunter, VP of Leisure Sales at Posadas, discussed cross-regional collaborations and integration into global distribution systems.
Big Picture Perspective: Collaboration is Key
Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), brought everything together with a powerful message: the future of Caribbean tourism lies in collaboration, digital transformation, and nurturing talent across the sector.
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Shaping the Caribbean of Tomorrow
CTM 2025 illuminated a shared vision — the Caribbean as a connected, resilient, and forward-thinking destination. From immersive cultural experiences and eco-conscious resorts to major event hosting and cross-island partnerships, the leaders at this year’s Marketplace demonstrated that the region is not simply adapting to change — it is setting the pace.
As CTM 2025 unfolds, one truth becomes clear: the Caribbean isn’t just building for tomorrow — it’s already defining it.
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