Published on March 9, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
Image generated with Ai
On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) emphasized the persistent gender disparities in tourism while celebrating the remarkable leadership of women across the region’s vital tourism sector. The CTO, which advocates for sustainable and regenerative tourism growth in the Caribbean, took part in the global observance by underscoring the importance of equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.
Image generated with Ai
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, as outlined by the United Nations, was “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The theme calls for focused efforts to dismantle the barriers to equal justice and create a world where women and girls everywhere can access equal rights, justice, and opportunity. Despite progress, women worldwide continue to face systemic inequities, particularly in the legal and social spheres, where gender inequality persists.
Advocacy for Gender Equality in Caribbean Tourism
As the first woman to serve as Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO, Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized the continued need for advocacy in dismantling gender barriers. She noted that while the legal rights of women globally have improved, women still hold only 64% of the legal rights that men do. No country has fully closed the legal gap between the sexes, underscoring the urgency of advocacy and action for equality.
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Regis-Prosper also highlighted the significant role that women play in Caribbean tourism, with female leadership evident in many key positions within the industry, from ministers and CEOs to entrepreneurs and community leaders. Women in the Caribbean tourism sector are shaping the industry’s growth and development, and their leadership is critical in driving innovation and building inclusive business opportunities.
The CTO has continuously advocated for the empowerment of women in tourism, recognizing their vital role in building partnerships, enhancing the economic impact of tourism, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the Caribbean region’s tourism sector. Regis-Prosper’s leadership, alongside other prominent female figures in Caribbean tourism, represents the changing tide towards a more inclusive and representative tourism industry.
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“From the Sea Suite” Magazine to Spotlight Women Leaders
In honor of International Women’s Day and the ongoing push for gender equality, the CTO will celebrate the achievements of women in tourism through the second edition of its annual magazine, From the Sea Suite. Scheduled for release during the Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner & Awards at Caribbean Week in New York, June 1-5, 2026, this edition will feature the stories and accomplishments of women who have made significant contributions to the region’s tourism industry.
The magazine will also highlight a new feature: the Woman-Led Allied Member Directory. This directory will showcase businesses led by women within the CTO community, shining a light on entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. These businesses, many of which focus on sustainable tourism practices, are building lasting partnerships and creating new opportunities in the Caribbean tourism landscape.
The Importance of Representation and Continued Advocacy
The CTO emphasized that visibility and representation matter. As more women take on leadership roles in tourism, it is crucial that their contributions are celebrated, not only to recognize their achievements but to also inspire the next generation of female leaders in tourism. Representation helps open doors, dismantle stereotypes, and create new opportunities for women who aspire to lead and innovate in the industry.
Regis-Prosper also stressed that the road to gender equality requires continued commitment from all sectors of society. While the tourism industry in the Caribbean has made great strides, much work remains to be done. For the region’s tourism sector to thrive in the future, it is essential to guarantee that every woman and girl has the right to lead, contribute, and thrive in a just and equitable environment.
A Call to Action for Gender Equality in Caribbean Tourism
The CTO’s recognition of International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that gender equality is an ongoing effort. While progress has been made, there are still barriers to overcome in the Caribbean tourism sector and beyond. Women continue to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the industry, but they need the continued support of their peers, governments, and organizations to succeed.
As the Caribbean looks towards sustainable tourism growth, the contributions of women must be acknowledged and nurtured. By celebrating female leadership in tourism and promoting equal opportunities for women, the Caribbean can continue to serve as a model of inclusive and equitable tourism for the world.
In conclusion, the CTO’s ongoing efforts to celebrate women’s contributions to the tourism sector, as well as their advocacy for gender equality, underscore the organization’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth, diversity, and empowerment in Caribbean tourism.
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Tags: Caribbean tourism leaders, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Caribbean women leadership, CTO leadership, female tourism leaders

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Monday, March 9, 2026
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Monday, March 9, 2026
Monday, March 9, 2026
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