GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, CMC – The Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which is holding its State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) here.
SOTIC 2024 is being held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Fueling our Lifeblood,” and the organizers said that it would delve into the critical issues shaping the region’s tourism landscape and explore innovative strategies for sustainable growth.
Gooding-Edghill succeeds the Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism, Kenneth Bryan, who had been in position at the Barbados-based CTO over the past two years.
The two-day SOTIC conference, starting on Wednesday, will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, panelists, and experts who will share their knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of topics.
The CTO said the conference will address the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility.
“Sessions will explore innovative solutions for reducing carbon footprints, conserving natural resources, and supporting local communities,” it said, adding that “the transformative power of technology in the tourism industry will be a central focus.”
As CTO chairman, Gooding Edghill will play a massive role in guiding the strategic measures to enhance and promote the tourism sector across the region.
Following his appointment, Gooding-Edghill said that it is indeed a great honor for Barbados to be chosen to represent the region and that he is committed to working with his colleagues across the Caribbean to strengthen the tourism department, drive sustainable growth, address the challenges, and seek opportunities that lie ahead.
He said that the entire Caribbean region would work together to make the Caribbean the leading tourist destination worldwide and that under his leadership, the CTO aims to focus on essential aspects with a vision to cater to the needs and demands of its member countries and visitors.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing (BTM), Andrea Franklin, has been appointed as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the CTO.
She said she is looking forward to working with her fellow directors across the region with a vision to enhance marketing strategies and address the challenges that the Caribbean faces regarding climate resilience, improved airlift capacity, and overall product development.
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