CTO launches scholarship fund for Caribbean women in tourism

By AI, Created 5:05 AM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch a scholarship fund for a promising Caribbean woman studying tourism during its June 1 Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards in New York. Proceeds from the event will support the CTO Foundation program as the region pushes mentorship, leadership development and gender equity in tourism.

Why it matters: - The new scholarship is aimed at building the pipeline for Caribbean women entering tourism leadership. - All proceeds from the June 1 dinner and awards will fund the scholarship through the CTO Foundation. - The initiative ties fundraising to long-term workforce development in one of the Caribbean’s core industries.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch the “From Her to Her: From Today’s Female Leaders to Tomorrow’s Tourism Stars” scholarship fund on June 1. - The launch will take place at the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. - The event will be held at the InterContinental New York Times Square. - The scholarship will provide annual support to a promising female Caribbean student pursuing studies and a career in tourism. - The dinner and awards ceremony will honor female leaders in Caribbean tourism, including ministers and directors of tourism, recipients of the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Awards, and new Hall of Fame inductees.

The details: - Dona Regis-Prosper said the scholarship reflects her role as the first female CTO secretary-general and her focus on creating opportunities for women in tourism. - Jacqueline Johnson, chairman of the CTO Foundation, said the program is meant to capture mentorship and legacy-building. - Virgin Voyages, Diamonds International and TRÈFLE have already committed support. - The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is sponsoring the dinner event. - Tickets cost US$199 per person. - Registration for the dinner closes Friday, May 22. - More information is available through the event registration form and Caribbean Week in New York. - Caribbean Week in New York has support from sponsors including the United States Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, St. Kitts, Sandals, Global Ports Holding, SITA, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Sojern, Travel & Adventure Show, Trove Tourism Development Advisors, Expedia Group, Travel Unity, Inter-American Development Bank, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean.

Between the lines: - The scholarship launch gives CTO a visible way to connect recognition of women leaders with direct investment in the next generation. - The sponsor list suggests broad regional and private-sector backing for both Caribbean Week and the new fund. - The Hall of Fame designation adds a new recognition layer that may help deepen prestige around the event and the broader women-in-tourism agenda.

What’s next: - CTO will use the June 1 event to formally introduce the scholarship fund. - Event proceeds will be directed to the CTO Foundation to finance the annual award. - The dinner is positioned as part of Caribbean Week 2026, which continues the region’s tourism promotion calendar. - CTO invites additional attention to its broader mission through OneCaribbean.org.