CTO highlights women’s leadership in tourism on International Women’s Day

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) marked International Women’s Day on Sunday by celebrating the contributions of women in the region’s tourism sector while drawing attention to persistent gender inequalities worldwide.

Observed globally under the United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” International Women’s Day 2026 calls for stronger efforts to dismantle barriers to equal justice, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections and harmful social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls.

Dona Regis-Prosper, the first woman to serve as Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, underscored the need for continued advocacy.

“International Women’s Day is a plea for action to ensure women and girls everywhere have equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity,” Regis-Prosper said.

She pointed to ongoing global disparities, noting that women still hold only 64 percent of the legal rights that men do.

“Although progress has been made, the fact remains that no country has fully closed the legal gaps between men and women. That statistic reminds us that advocacy and action continue to be essential — not only in policy, but in the spaces where women lead, innovate and mold industries,” she said.

Regis-Prosper also highlighted the strong presence of women across the Caribbean tourism industry.

“In the Caribbean tourism sector, we are fortunate to observe the extraordinary impact of women every day — from ministers, directors and CEOs to entrepreneurs, community leaders and young professionals entering the field,” she said.

CTO plans to spotlight several of those leaders in the second edition of its annual magazine, From the Sea Suite, which will be released during the Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner & Awards at Caribbean Week in New York, scheduled for June 1–5.

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“This year, CTO’s second edition of ‘From the Sea Suite’ will celebrate many of those voices,” Regis-Prosper said. “The magazine will highlight women in tourism leadership across the region, sharing their stories, opinions and achievements.”

The edition will also introduce a new feature — a Woman-Led Allied Member Directory showcasing women-led businesses within the CTO community.

“These entrepreneurs and leaders are not only strengthening tourism — they are creating opportunities, building partnerships and helping shape the future of our region,” she said.

Regis-Prosper stressed that recognition and representation remain critical to advancing gender equality.

“Visibility matters. Representation matters. And when we celebrate the contributions of women, we help open doors for the next generation of leaders,” she said.

She also urged continued commitment to equality.

“Today is a reminder how progress requires continued commitment — to rights, to justice and to purposeful action that guarantees every woman and girl can lead, contribute and thrive,” she said.

The CTO promotes sustainable and regenerative tourism growth across the Caribbean. Regis-Prosper, a native of Saint Lucia with extensive experience across the tourism sector, assumed the role of Secretary-General in 2023.