Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Leadership

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism are transforming how the region competes in the global travel market.

The Caribbean tourism industry is often defined by beaches, culture, and hospitality. However, the sector also plays a central role in many regional economies. Today, women increasingly shape the future of this industry.

Across the Caribbean, female leaders now influence how destinations market themselves, how tourism economies grow, and how sustainability shapes the visitor experience. Moreover, many of these leaders prioritize community engagement and cultural storytelling.

From regional policy to boutique luxury resorts, women now rank among the most influential voices guiding the Caribbean tourism sector into its next chapter.

Here are some of the leaders helping reimagine Caribbean tourism.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Regional Leadership

Dona Regis-Prosper – Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

Few roles influence Caribbean tourism as much as the leadership of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

As Secretary-General and CEO, Dona Regis-Prosper coordinates tourism strategy across more than two dozen member countries.

In addition, she strengthens regional collaboration and expands global partnerships. Through this work, the Caribbean continues to strengthen its position as a unified tourism powerhouse

Today, the industry depends on innovation, cooperation, and strategic vision. Regis-Prosper continues to champion all three.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Boutique Destination Leadership

Andia M. Ravariere – CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority

Appointed in 2025, Andia M. Ravariere leads the Nevis Tourism Authority during an important moment for Caribbean tourism.

Travelers now seek authenticity, culture, and sustainability. As a result, Ravariere focuses on positioning Nevis as a boutique luxury destination.

At the same time, she works to protect the island’s heritage and environmental assets.

Additionanlly, her leadership reflects a new generation of tourism executives. Modern travelers want meaningful connections to destinations, not just scenic views.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Policy Leadership

Marsha Henderson – Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis

As Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts and Nevis, Marsha Henderson has played a key role in shaping national tourism strategy while advocating for sustainable development across the sector. Her leadership has been recognized regionally, including receiving the 2025 Caribbean Tourism Organization Minister of Tourism Award, highlighting her contribution to strengthening tourism policy and destination competitiveness.

Importantly, Henderson’s approach reflects a broader trend across the Caribbean, women takingleading roles in shaping tourism policy and national development strategies.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Destination Marketing

Rosa Harris – Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands

Through strategic leadership, Rosa Harris has helped position the Cayman Islands as one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism destinations.

As Director of Tourism, she has overseen major destination marketing campaigns, global partnerships, and post-pandemic recovery strategies that helped restore Cayman’s tourism sector. The Caribbean Tourism Organization recognized her leadership with the 2025 Director of Tourism Award.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Sustainable Luxury Hospitality

Karolin Troubetzkoy – Executive Director, Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain Resorts, St. Lucia

Luxury tourism in the Caribbean has long been shaped by visionary hoteliers, and Karolin Troubetzkoy is among the most respected figures in the industry. As Executive Director of the award-winning Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts, Troubetzkoy has built a global reputation for combining luxury hospitality with sustainability and community engagement.

Beyond her work in St. Lucia, she has also served in leadership roles within the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, advocating for stronger regional collaboration across the hospitality sector.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Luxury Hospitality Marketing

Petra Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, Wyndham Grand Barbados

With more than two decades of tourism leadership and destination marketing experience, Petra Roach brings deep industry expertise to the Caribbean hospitality sector. As Director of Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort & Spa, she leads the resort’s global sales strategy, brand positioning, and international market development.

Previously, Roach served as Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., where she led strategic marketing initiatives that elevated Barbados’ international tourism profile. She later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, where she played a key role in strengthening the destination’s global visibility and expanding international travel partnerships.

Today, she applies that destination marketing expertise to luxury hospitality, helping position Wyndham Grand Barbados as a premier resort in the Caribbean. Her career reflects the growing importance of strategic marketing, strong global partnerships, and brand storytelling in shaping the region’s tourism success.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Strategic Branding

Kelly Fontenelle – CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority

As CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Kelly Fontenelle leads destination marketing strategies that aim to expand visitor arrivals while strengthening the island’s international brand. Her work includes promoting St. Kitts as a destination that blends history, culture, adventure, and luxury, a positioning that reflects the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Fontenelle’s leadership demonstrates how destination marketing has become increasingly strategic, data-driven, and globally competitive.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Cultural Storytelling

Stacey Liburd – CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority

As Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Stacey Liburd is responsible for guiding the international promotion of the “Spice Island.” Her strategy highlights Grenada’s unique mix of nature, culture, and culinary tourism.

At the same time, she continues expanding the destination’s reach into new markets. This work reflects the growing importance of storytelling in tourism marketing.

Women Reimagining Caribbean Tourism Through Luxury Hospitality Leadership

Janelle Hopkin- President & Managing Director, Spice Island Beach Resort

She leads one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated luxury resorts as President and Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort on Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach. A third-generation hotelier, she continues the legacy established by her father, Sir Royston Hopkin, while guiding the resort into a new era of modern Caribbean luxury.

Under her leadership, the resort emphasizes authentic Grenadian hospitality, local culture, and personalized guest experiences. Hopkin’s approach reflects a broader shift in Caribbean tourism, where luxury is increasingly defined by a strong sense of place, meaningful connections, and the warmth of genuine island hospitality.

Why Women Are the Future of Caribbean Tourism Leadership

Tourism is the Caribbean’s most important economic sector, contributing billions of dollars annually to regional economies and supporting hundreds of thousands of Jobs. Increasingly, women are shaping the strategies that will determine the industry’s Future. Their leadership is evident across multiple areas:

• Strategic destination marketing: Female leaders are driving innovative campaigns that elevate Caribbean brands globally. 
• Sustainable tourism development: Many women in tourism leadership roles are championing environmental stewardship and community-based tourism.
• Regional collaboration: Across organizations like the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, women are playing a central role in strengthening regional partnerships.
• Cultural storytelling: Modern tourism marketing is increasingly focused on authentic experiences something Caribbean women leaders are uniquely positioned to champion.

A New Chapter for Caribbean Tourism

The Caribbean tourism industry continues to evolve. Importantly, the sector contributes billions of dollars annually. Across the region, tourism also supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.

As these leaders demonstrate, the future of Caribbean tourism will be shaped not only by natural beauty and cultural richness, but by visionary leadership. And increasingly, that leadership is being defined by women.