CTO Addresses Global Presence, Membership Dynamics at Caribbean Travel Marketplace

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, held against the stunning backdrop of Antigua and Barbuda, has served as a pivotal stage for the region’s most influential leaders to chart a course for the future of travel. 

Amidst a period of significant industry transformation, the event brought together stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the Caribbean's global competitiveness. Central to these discussions is the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at regional integration and long-term sustainability.

In an exclusive sitdown during the summit, Donna Regis-Prosper, the Secretary General and CEO of the CTO, shared insights into the organization's current trajectory. With nearly three years at the helm, Regis-Prosper discussed the progress of the CTO’s ambitious "reimagined" strategic plan, the evolving nature of their European presence, and the organization's diplomatic stance toward non-member destinations in the Greater Antilles. Her vision underscores a shift toward regenerative tourism and market intelligence as the bedrock of the modern Caribbean experience.

To start, could you please state your name and your official role within the Caribbean Tourism Organization?

I am Donna Regis-Prosper, and I serve as the Secretary General for the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

How long have you been leading the organization in this capacity?

I have held this position for two years and nine months.

What was your professional background prior to joining the CTO as Secretary General?

Prior to this role, I served as the Cruise Port Manager for Antigua Cruise Ports.

The CTO has undergone significant shifts in focus over the last five years. As you work to modernize and "recreate" the organization, what are your primary objectives for the future?

Our current focus is the full implementation of our reimagined strategic plan, which is built upon five key pillars. The first of these is sustainable and regenerative tourism. 

The other pillars include advocacy, market intelligence, market competitiveness, and people development. We officially launched this framework in 2025, and it has been our central focus for the past two years. We are making excellent progress; out of 184 specific action items, approximately 60% are already underway or successfully completed.

In years past, the CTO maintained physical offices in major hubs like New York, while the London office remained highly active. However, there has been a perceived lack of presence at major European trade shows, such as those in Spain, and a shrinking footprint at the World Travel Market. What is the CTO’s current strategy for maintaining influence and visibility in the European market?

Europe remains a critically important market for us. We currently have an agreement with the CTO UK & Europe Chapter, which provides us with dedicated representation across those territories. Our strategy has evolved; rather than rebuilding expensive physical offices in every location, we are focusing on maintaining a strong, effective presence. 

This is achieved through regional chapters and specialized representatives who advocate for our interests. Our global reach is expanding, and these regions remain vital to our mission.

Major destinations like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba currently sit outside of the CTO framework. Given their massive influence in regional tourism, is there a formal effort or desire to bring these destinations back into the organization as full members?

While they are not currently formal members of the CTO, we view them as essential tourism partners within the region. We remain fully open to collaborating and working alongside them to further the collective goals of the Caribbean tourism industry.