The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at [email protected].

June 30, 2025

CTO, Caribbean destinations spotlighted at American Airlines in Dallas

CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper with American Airlines executives (l-r): Ralph Lopez Massas, Senior Vice President, Charlotte Operations; José Freig, Vice President, International Operations; and Brian Znotins, Senior Vice President, Network Planning in Dallas on Thursday

Caribbean pride was on full display last Thursday as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) joined American Airlines (AA) in celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month at the airline’s Dallas-Fort Worth headquarters.

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper was a featured panelist at “Threads of Influence” — an initiative of AA’s Caribbean Employee Business Resource Group — where she appeared alongside AA executives Senior Vice Presidents Ralph Lopez Massas and Brian Znotins and Vice President José Freig.

The event highlighted the growing influence of Caribbean culture, tourism and diaspora communities in the U.S., while reaffirming American Airlines’ deep-rooted connection to the region. 

In her remarks, Regis-Prosper applauded the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity and sustainability, noting the vital role aviation plays in linking cultures, enabling economic growth, and supporting resilient tourism development.

Representatives from a handful of CTO member countries also delivered sharp presentations that brought their destinations to life for the American Airlines audience. Latoya Smith, District Manager for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation in Houston; Gale Malic-Ozaeta, Marketing and Communications Manager of the Belize Tourism Board; Ray Lee, Business Development Officer of the Jamaica Tourist Board; and Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority, each offered compelling insights into their respective country’s tourism offerings, from natural wonders and cultural heritage to culinary diversity and sustainability initiatives.

The event served not only as a celebration of culture but also as a platform for fostering deeper public-private partnerships in the travel industry — a priority for the Caribbean as it looks ahead to continued growth in 2025 and beyond.

St. Lucian hotelier to be honored in Miami

Sanovnik Destang

Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts in St. Lucia and President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is set to receive the Outstanding Hotelier Award from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) this summer. 

This marks the first time a Caribbean hotelier will receive the honor, which recognizes hoteliers who exemplify exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing opportunities within the hospitality industry. Honorees are selected for their vision, dedication and positive impact on both hotel performance and the broader community.

Destang will be presented with the award in July during the 29th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines looks ahead at FCCA PAMAC Destination Summit

Sophia Clouden of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority

screenshot To view video click HERE

From warm welcomes to strategic insights, Sophia Clouden, Marketing & Cruise Terminal Manager at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority, shared how this month’s Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) PAMAC Destination Summit in Aruba is helping to shape the future of cruise for the destination.

 “We are now strategic partners of the FCCA, which we are hoping to use to propel us further into the industry.”

Clouden’s remarks underscore the importance of collaboration as St. Vincent and the Grenadines deepens its engagement in regional cruise tourism.

 Watch her full comments above.

Turning hope into action: Dominica’s vision for regional unity

Marva Williams, CEO, Discover Dominica Authority

screenshot To view video click HERE

“Turning hurricanes into hope. Building bridges across islands and industries. Gathering not to survive — but to lead.” These stirring words from Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority, struck a powerful chord during the Opening Session of Caribbean Week in New York earlier this month.

Representing Dominica — a 2025 Platinum Sponsor — Williams shared a compelling vision of Caribbean resilience, emphasizing that the region’s future depends not only on recovery, but also on bold leadership, regional unity, and a collective commitment to reimagining growth.

Her remarks were a strong call to action — to come together not only in response to crisis, but also with clarity of purpose, to lead as One Caribbean.

 Watch the clip for a glimpse into her inspiring address.

Quotable Caribbean

“BermudAir’s new direct flights from key U.S. markets — Boston and Baltimore — constitute a significant advancement for our tourism industry. As our accommodation offerings grow, reliable and convenient air access from these strategic gateways is essential to maintaining momentum and further developing Anguilla as a premier destination.” – Cardigan Connor, Minister of Tourism, Anguilla

Proverbially West Indian

“One one cocoa full basket.”

This is a popular Jamaican proverb that reminds us that small efforts, when consistent, lead to big results. Whether saving money, building a business, or nurturing a community, every little contribution adds up over time.

Medical Moment

World Breastfeeding Week, observed globally during the first week of August, underscores the importance of breast milk as a nutritious and accessible source of nourishment for infants and young children. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to age two.

This year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, calls attention to the environmental toll of formula production, packaging and waste. Advocates are urging the development of long-term support systems — in hospitals, communities, workplaces and homes — to make breastfeeding a more viable and sustainable choice for families worldwide.

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