(Commonwealth_ Barbados has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), marking a significant moment for the island nation. The handover took place at the CTO’s Ministerial Council meeting, held in the Cayman Islands as part of the annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). This leadership transition places Barbados at the helm of regional tourism efforts for the next two years.
The newly appointed chairman of the CTO, Ian Gooding-Edghill, who serves as the Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, will lead the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism. Meanwhile, Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing, has been appointed chairman of the Board of Directors, positioning Barbados in key roles to drive regional tourism initiatives.
Barbados takes over from the Cayman Islands, which held the chairmanship for the past term under the leadership of Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports, and Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism. The outgoing team was credited with significant achievements during their tenure, including revitalizing the engagement of member countries and facilitating the return of the US Virgin Islands and Bermuda to the CTO fold. These milestones were highlighted as essential steps in strengthening the regional tourism body.
During the handover ceremony, Minister Bryan reflected on his tenure and expressed pride in the progress made under Cayman leadership. He emphasized his hope that the CTO is now in a stronger position to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “I hope that I’m leaving this organization in a stronger position and well-placed to meet the opportunities and the challenges ahead,” Bryan stated. His leadership over the last two years was marked by a commitment to fostering greater collaboration among Caribbean nations to strengthen the tourism sector—a critical economic pillar for the region.
Minister Gooding-Edghill, now tasked with leading the CTO through its next phase, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and recognized the importance of the work ahead. He praised the efforts of his predecessor, thanking Minister Bryan for his contributions over the past two years. “We are all in this together. We have a lot of work to do. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, Minister Bryan… for all that you’ve contributed over the last two years,” said Gooding-Edghill.
Looking forward, Gooding-Edghill underscored the need for unity and collaboration within the CTO to advance its mission of promoting the Caribbean as a premier tourist destination. He emphasized that the organization must continue to adapt to evolving trends in the global tourism industry, particularly as the region faces ongoing challenges, such as the impacts of climate change, fluctuating global economic conditions, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel. “Under my leadership, with the help of all of my colleagues, we will certainly continue to advance the cause of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation,” Gooding-Edghill remarked, indicating his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
Barbados’ new role as chair of the CTO comes at a pivotal time for the Caribbean tourism sector. The region is gradually recovering from the effects of the pandemic, and tourism-dependent economies are looking to rebound strongly. The CTO, under Barbados’ leadership, will play a crucial role in guiding member states toward sustainable growth, while also ensuring that the Caribbean remains competitive in the global tourism market. Barbados’ leadership will be critical in navigating these challenges and ensuring the continued development of the Caribbean as a leading destination.
