Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The election took place during the CTO’s Annual General Meeting, held in the Cayman Islands on September 3, 2024.
Minister Gooding-Edghill’s election marks a significant moment for Barbados and the wider Caribbean tourism sector. As Chairman, he will lead the CTO’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism for the next two years, guiding the organisation’s strategic efforts to enhance and promote tourism across the region.
Expressing his gratitude and commitment, Minister Gooding-Edghill stated, “It is a great honour for Barbados to be chosen to represent the region at this level. I am deeply committed to working with my colleagues across the Caribbean to strengthen our tourism sector, drive sustainable growth, and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to position the Caribbean as the world’s leading tourist destination.”
The election of the Tourism Minister comes at a crucial time for the Caribbean tourism industry, as the region continues to see increases in the airlift and cruise deployments across the board, and member countries are working to adapt to the evolving global tourism landscape. Under his leadership, the CTO will focus on key priorities including the continued reimagining of the organisation to meet the needs of its diverse member countries and satisfy emerging consumer demands.
The outgoing Chairman, Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, congratulated Minister Gooding-Edghill on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the CTO through this dynamic period.
The CTO is the leading tourism development agency in the Caribbean, with a mission to provide leadership in the sustainable development of tourism for the social and economic benefit of Caribbean people. As Chairman, Minister Gooding-Edghill will be at the forefront of efforts to drive the organisation’s vision of a united, innovative, and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.
In addition to Gooding-Edghill’s appointment, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Andrea Franklin, assumes the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of the CTO. Speaking on the appointment, Franklin stated: “I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors across the region to enhance strategies for marketing the region collectively, and addressing the challenges that the Caribbean faces as it relates to climate resilience, improved airlift capacity, and overall product development.”
Both appointments take immediate effect.