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February 17, 2025

Strengthening tourism for a resilient future

Global Tourism Resilience Day underscores the importance of preparing for and overcoming challenges while ensuring long-term sustainability. 

Across the Caribbean, destinations are investing in innovative strategies to strengthen tourism, protect communities, and drive economic growth.

This day serves as a reminder to take resilience seriously, remain proactive, and never become complacent. 

More than 300 delegates are attending the Global Tourism Resilience Conference, February 17 to 19, in Hanover, Jamaica this week. 

As the headquarters of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, Jamaica played a key role in working with the United Nations to declare this landmark day two years ago. 

By embracing adaptability and collaboration, the region continues to lead efforts in making tourism more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. 

The Caribbean celebrates a successful Routes Americas 2025

Pictured l-r are Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Barbados; I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, The Bahamas; Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Saint-Martin; Kenneth Bryan, Deputy Premier & Minister for Tourism & Ports, Cayman Islands; and Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, CTO.

Photo Credit: Routes

The Caribbean reported a highly successful presence at Routes Americas 2025, the region’s premier air service development forum, held from February 10-12 at Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas. With over 900 senior industry professionals in attendance, the event provided a crucial platform for strengthening Caribbean air connectivity, expanding international routes, and driving tourism growth.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper led a Ministerial Dialogue that brought together regional tourism leaders to shape the future of Caribbean tourism. Key discussions focused on expanding airlift, enhancing airline collaboration, and investing in airport infrastructure. Sustainability remained a top priority, with leaders emphasizing balanced growth, strategic partnerships, and positioning the Caribbean as a premier, year-round destination.

CTO reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional tourism and fostering collaboration for a more competitive Caribbean during the first official meeting of the year of its Board of Directors and Ministerial Council on February 13, reinforcing a united approach to both air service development and sustainable tourism development under a newly “reimagined” organization.

DG Digest: Airlift is The Bahamas’ lifeline

“For The Bahamas, airlift is the lifeline that connects our people, our culture, and our economy to the world. We understand that behind every route, every new service and every strategic decision, there are real impacts on businesses, on communities, and on the travelers we all serve. That is why we remain unwavering in our commitment to building a world-class aviation industry that supports our premier tourism industry. – Latia Duncombe, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, The Bahamas

CARPHA appoints new Executive Director

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has named Trinidadian Dr. Lisa Indar as its new Executive Director.

Dr. Indar previously held the position of Ad Interim Executive Director of CARPHA from July 2024, having served in her substantive post of Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (SDPC) since 2019, as well as the Head of the Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP) since 2014. She replaces Dr. Joy St. John of Barbados.

“I am deeply humbled, honored and privileged to be appointed as the Executive Director of CARPHA,” Dr. Indar stated.

She added: “Our unique characteristics of highly inter-connected, small island developing states that are tourism dependent, with porous borders, varying levels of surveillance and high susceptibility to climate change, hurricane and other disasters, strongly necessitate regional collective action, robust systems, partnerships and a ‘One Health’ integrated approach. This is my commitment – to work together and harder with our partners and Member States to make the Caribbean region healthier and safer.”

St. Thomas prepares for Carnival

The 2025 edition of St. Thomas Carnival in the U.S. Virgin Islands will be held from April 27 to May 3, 2025.

The 73rd annual Carnival celebration will feature traditional events, including the Queen and Princess Pageants, Calypso Monarch, Pan-O-Rama, and the highly anticipated J’ouvert experience.

“I am excited to invite everyone from neighboring islands, mainland US, diaspora across the world, and lovers of sun, sea and culture to join us for the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival,” said Joseph Boschulte, USVI Commissioner of Tourism. “As St. Thomas Carnival continues to grow in size and notoriety, this year, we are preparing to host an invigorating week-long celebration, highlighting our rich culture, picturesque island, and beautiful people.” 

Revelers can experience the U.S. Virgin Islands’ signature free nightly musical performances at the Carnival Village featuring some of the industry’s top local, regional and international acts. The best of St. Thomas will be on display, including the St. Thomas Carnival Boat Races and delicious cuisine as well as arts and crafts from local vendors at the popular Food Fair. 

“Exposing our culture through food, music and vibes for Carnival 2025” is this year’s theme.

Quotable Caribbean

“The opportunities before us are vast, and the potential is largely uncharted. That’s why gatherings like this (Routes Americas) are so valuable – bringing together visionaries and decision-makers to shape the future of air travel in the Caribbean and beyond.” – Andrea Franklin, CEO, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. | Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization Board of Directors

Proverbially West Indian

“Beat de iron while it hot.”

This Caribbean proverb means to take advantage of opportunities as soon as they arise before they disappear.

Medical Moment

International Women’s Day (IWD), observed on March 8, celebrates women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality. 

The 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action”, underscores the urgency of progress. At the current rate, full gender parity won’t be achieved until 2158 – five generations from now, according to the World Economic Forum. This theme calls for bold, decisive steps to break systemic barriers and biases, driving meaningful change in both personal and professional spheres.

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