A woman is to lead the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) for the first time.
Dona Regis-Prosper, general manager of Antigua cruise port, takes up the role of secretary-general and chief executive of the tourism development agency for 25 countries in the region from September 1.
She holds a master of business administration degree, certified professional marketing qualification, and has 22 years experience in business development, strategy, marketing and sustainability.
The CTO said: “Regis-Prosper, who hails from St Lucia, is set to make history as the first woman to assume leadership of the inter-governmental body.”
She emerged as the top choice from a pool of more than 60 applicants.
A rigorous selection process included multiple rounds of interviews and a comprehensive assessment related to addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by the regional tourism industry, according to the organisation.
CTO chairman Kenneth Bryan disclosed that throughout the selection process, ministers, commissioners and directors lauded Regis-Prosper’s transformational leadership style.
“They found her to be innovative, forward-thinking, results-driven, and solution-oriented,” he said.
Her perspective on managing the climate crisis was particularly well-received, illustrating her deep-seated passion for sustainability and her ability to develop practical solutions to critical industry issues, he added.
Regis-Prosper takes over the leadership from acting secretary general and CEO Neil Walters, the CTO’s finance and resource management director, who has been filling the position following the retirement of Hugh Riley in 2019.
The previous two Caribbean tourism professionals to serve in the region’s top tourism post were late tourism stalwart Jean Holder and Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, former Bahamas director general and Bahamas tourism minister.
Bryan, the Cayman Islands minister of tourism and ports, added: “We are extremely pleased to have Dona Regis-Prosper come on board to lead the CTO.
“Her vast experience, strategic insight, and impressive track record in the tourism sector make her an exceptional choice to propel our organisation into a new era.”
He added that having more women in positions of influence enhances the efficiency of the region’s major economic earner and sends positive messages of encouragement and inspiration for women and girls across the Caribbean.
Regis-Prosper said: “I eagerly look forward to working with our dedicated team and diverse stakeholders to promote the Caribbean tourism sector, champion sustainability, and continue to foster impactful relationships and deliver ROI for our members.”