CTO Elects Antigua and Barbuda as New Chair

Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Wed October 7, 2026
CTO Elects Antigua and Barbuda as New Chair

CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper congratulates Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez. (Source: Caribbean Tourism Organization)

Antigua and Barbuda was elected as the new chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez leading its Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

Leadership Transition

Fernandez was elected at CTO’s Annual General Meeting, succeeding Barbados Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James will take over the chairmanship at the board of directors level from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin.

Vice Chair Elections

“The Board also elected vice chairs for CTO’s subregions: the United States Virgin Islands for the U.S. territories, the British Virgin Islands for the British overseas territories, Saint-Martin for the French-speaking territories, and St. Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas for CARICOM countries,” CTO said.

“Selection of a representative for the Dutch-speaking territories was postponed until the next meeting,” the organization added. “The six subregional vice chairs and the Board chair form the Executive Committee of the CTO Board of Directors.”

Building on Strategic Progress

Under Barbados’ leadership, CTO continued to advance its Reimagine Plan, built on five pillars: advocacy, market competitiveness, tourism intelligence, sustainable and regenerative tourism, and people development.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Minister Gooding-Edghill and CEO Andrea Franklin for their stewardship, commitment to regional collaboration and the leadership they have provided as CTO advanced the Reimagine Plan,” said CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper.

“We welcome Minister Fernandez and CEO James as they take on their respective roles at an important point in CTO’s evolution as we continue translating our strategy into meaningful action and greater value for our members and the wider Caribbean tourism sector,” she added.


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