Antigua and BarbudaTravel Antigua and Barbuda Assumes Leadership of Caribbean Tourism Organization
Antigua and Barbuda has been elected to lead the Caribbean Tourism Organization, with a focus on sustainable tourism and local economic integration. This leadership change was announced during the recent SOTIC conference in Guyana.
Antigua and Barbuda has recently taken the lead in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with Tourism Minister Charles "Max" Fernandez assuming the role of chair. This transition was announced during the CTO's Annual General Meeting held in Georgetown, Guyana, on October 6, 2026.
New Leadership Roles
Alongside Fernandez, Colin James, the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, has been appointed to chair the CTO's Board of Directors. This leadership team aims to advance an agenda focused on enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and fostering stronger connections between tourism and local economies.
Focus Areas for the CTO
The CTO's agenda under the new leadership will continue the implementation of its Reimagine Plan, which emphasizes five key areas: advocacy, market competitiveness, tourism intelligence, sustainable tourism, and workforce development. This plan aims to not only attract visitors but also strengthen the local tourism supply chain.
Regional Collaboration
The leadership transition also reflects a commitment to regional collaboration, building on the efforts made during the previous chairmanship of Barbados. The CTO will focus on integrating local businesses into the tourism sector, enhancing infrastructure, and improving logistics and technology to support the visitor economy.
As Antigua and Barbuda steps into this leadership role, the focus will be on sustaining regional cooperation and enhancing local capacities that support Caribbean tourism. This change is expected to bring new opportunities for the region's tourism sector, benefiting both visitors and local communities.