Last week, Caribbean Week in New York (June 1–6, 2025) closed on a triumphant note, drawing fresh praise from Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill—who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport. With over 200 attendees, including ministers, industry executives, cultural ambassadors, media, and youth innovators, the event showcased vibrant regional unity and forward-thinking ambition.
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Highlights of Caribbean Week 2025
- CTO Ministerial Council & Board Meetings
A cornerstone of the week saw Caribbean ministers and commissioners in a dynamic four-hour session, charting both policy and action plans for the CTO. Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin led the Board meeting, reinforcing the organization’s leadership momentum. - Data & Tourism Intelligence on the Rise
Recognizing the pivotal role of robust data in shaping tourism strategy, Gooding-Edghill emphasized expanding metrics and intelligence to better position the region on the global stage . - Launch of the CTO “Reimagine Plan 2025–2027”
The centerpiece of CWNY, this strategic roadmap defines five core pillars:- Advocacy
- Market competitiveness
- Tourism intelligence
- Sustainable/regenerative tourism
- People development
A video presentation by Secretary‑General Dona Regis‑Prosper heralded the plan as a bold foundation for the next three years.
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- Star-Studded Delegation & Cultural Showcase
The event brought together top regional tourism ministers—like those from Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda—alongside cultural talents such as Dominica’s Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond and Bouyon artist Asa Banton. The week also featured a new Caribbean Cultural Showcase in Times Square, blending music, art, cuisine, and immersive experiences. - Focus on Connectivity & Allied Members
A panel moderated by CBS’s Peter Greenberg included Joseph Boschulte (U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner) and covered airline/cruise linkages, creative industries (“Orange Economy”), and the CTO Airlift Committee’s mission to improve regional travel access. - Next-Gen Innovation Spotlight
A Regional Next-Gen Tourism Showcase saw university teams pitch sustainable concepts—from agri‑tourism and dark tourism to medical cannabis—from across the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Why It Matters
Caribbean Week 2025 did more than just network—it presented a unified roadmap for the region’s tourism future. With the CTO’s “Reimagine Plan” as its guiding light and strong engagement from both seasoned leaders and youth innovators, the Caribbean is poised for a more intelligent, regenerative, and regionally integrated tourism industry.
Chairman Gooding-Edghill captured the sentiment best: “Every so often you have to look back and look internally… and that is the Reimagine plan for us.”
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What’s Next on the Horizon?
- State of Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados this fall will dive deeper into themes of connectivity, cross‑sector economic linkages, and maximizing visitor impact through targeted spending and partnerships.
- Expect continued rollout of regional data initiatives, the CTO Airlift Committee’s plans for intra-regional travel, and growth in sustainable/regenerative tourism efforts under the Reimagine framework.
By blending visionary planning with cultural celebration and strategic collaboration, Caribbean Week 2025 in New York has set a high mark and an inspiring path for the future of Caribbean tourism.
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