BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Women in Caribbean tourism leadership were highlighted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization as the region joined the global observance of International Women’s Day, with officials stressing that gender disparities remain a persistent global challenge.
The organization said the 2026 observance aligns with the United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” which calls for renewed efforts to dismantle discriminatory laws, strengthen legal protections, and address social practices that undermine the rights of women and girls.
Despite progress worldwide, women continue to hold only about 64 percent of the legal rights afforded to men, according to global data cited by tourism officials.
How women in Caribbean tourism leadership are shaping the industry
Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, said the International Women’s Day observance should serve as a renewed call to advance equality and opportunity.
Regis-Prosper, the first woman to lead the organization, said progress toward closing gender gaps requires continued advocacy and sustained action across institutions and industries.
She pointed to the growing influence of women in Caribbean tourism leadership, noting that women across the region serve in a wide range of roles, including ministers, chief executives, directors, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and emerging professionals.
Those contributions, she said, continue to shape the direction of one of the Caribbean’s most important economic sectors.
Tourism remains a major driver of economic activity throughout the Caribbean, supporting jobs, investment, and regional development.
Caribbean Week initiative to showcase regional women leaders
The Caribbean Tourism Organization plans to further spotlight women in Caribbean tourism leadership through the second edition of its annual magazine From the Sea Suite.
The publication will be launched during the Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner and Awards as part of Caribbean Week in New York, scheduled for June 1 to June 5, 2026.
According to the organization, the magazine will feature stories, perspectives, and achievements from women leading tourism initiatives across the Caribbean.
The edition will also introduce a Woman-Led Allied Member Directory designed to showcase businesses led by women within the organization’s network.
Tourism officials said the initiative aims to strengthen partnerships across the region while highlighting entrepreneurs helping to shape the future of Caribbean tourism.
Visibility and representation seen as critical for future progress
Regional tourism leaders say recognizing the contributions of women is essential to building stronger pathways for the next generation of industry professionals.
Regis-Prosper said greater visibility and representation can help expand opportunities and inspire young women entering the tourism sector.
She added that the global observance of International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder that achieving equality requires ongoing commitment to rights, justice, and practical action that allows women and girls to lead, contribute, and thrive.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization continues to promote sustainable tourism growth and regional cooperation across its member states.
Regis-Prosper, a native of St Lucia, assumed the role of Secretary-General and CEO of the organization in 2023 after decades of experience in tourism development and regional collaboration.
