CTO Appoints Courtney-Diana Walker to Drive Regional Sustainability

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has officially appointed regional professional Courtney-Diana Walker as its new program officer for sustainable tourism, reinforcing the organization's executive capacity to spearhead environmental initiatives. Based in Barbados, Walker formally assumed her responsibilities to collaborate closely with the leadership team on advancing long-term resilience and inclusive sector growth across member territories.

The strategic appointment directly supports the core objectives outlined within the CTO Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, which positions sustainable and regenerative tourism as a primary pillar guiding regional development. Under this framework, Walker will work alongside Narendra Ramgulam, the organization's deputy director of sustainable tourism, to implement cross-border policies focused on environmental protection, economic viability, and community benefit.

Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized that the new appointee brings an exceptional blend of regional perspective, academic grounding, and strategic communication expertise. Her multidisciplinary background spans cultural development, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination across public and private spheres, providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted Caribbean tourism landscape.

Walker holds a master's degree in Cultural Studies from The University of the West Indies (UWI) and is completing an advanced degree in Tourism and Sports Management at UWI Cave Hill. Her professional trajectory includes extensive involvement in initiatives supporting the region's creative industries and destination management strategies tailored toward generating measurable social impact.

From her new post, Walker will actively contribute to regional programs designed to enhance sustainable practices, support destination competitiveness, and advance the overarching mission of Leading Sustainable Tourism — One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the appointment as a vital step toward balancing robust visitor expansion with long-term climate resilience and local empowerment.