Two prominent Caribbean tourism officials were among the major honorees at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) third annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, which took place on Monday during Caribbean Week in New York at the InterContinental New York Times Square.
According to a CTO release, Andrea Franklin, chief executive officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and chair of the CTO Board of Directors, was named Director of Tourism of the Year 2026. The award was determined through voting by her fellow tourism professionals from across the region.
Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture for the British Virgin Islands, was also recognized, receiving the Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year title, following a similar selection process conducted among regional tourism leaders.
Backed by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, CTO stated that the awards program celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, contributed to destination development, strengthened Caribbean tourism, and served as role models for future generations of women entering the sector.
Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Christine Valls, Managing Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at United Airlines. Drawing on her own professional experiences, Valls reportedly spoke about leadership, innovation, collaboration, and the importance of creating opportunities for women to succeed.
The release also said that the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). She was recognized for her significant role in promoting healthier and safer tourism environments, while advancing sustainable tourism practices throughout the Caribbean.
The ceremony also welcomed six accomplished women into the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Hall of Fame in recognition of their enduring contributions to the industry:
- Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Saint-Martin
- Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis
- Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands
- Beverly Nicholson Doty, Chief Executive Officer, Figment Design
- Petra Roach, Director of Sales and Marketing, Wyndham Grand Barbados
- Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Marketing and Operations, Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts, St. Lucia
One of the evening’s key announcements was the introduction of a new scholarship initiative aimed at supporting young Caribbean women pursuing careers in tourism. The program, titled From Her to Her: From Today’s Female Leaders to Tomorrow’s Tourism Stars, generated US$13,000 through a live auction held during the event, per the release.
Administered through the CTO Foundation, the scholarship fund will provide annual financial assistance to a promising female student from the Caribbean who is pursuing tourism-related studies and career opportunities.
Guests were also given an early look at From the Sea Suite, a new women’s leadership magazine produced by CTO that highlights the achievements and experiences of influential women working across the Caribbean tourism industry.
The publication is scheduled to make its official print launch at the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference, which will be held in Guyana from October 5 to 9, 2026.
