The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association has used the occasion of International Women’s Day to highlight the critical role women play in the Caribbean’s tourism sector while urging industry stakeholders to move beyond recognition and take tangible steps to support female leadership.
Marking this year’s campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” the regional tourism body said the message reflects the reality of Caribbean hospitality, where women contribute at every level of the industry—from managing hotels and restaurants to running tourism enterprises, serving on industry boards and delivering the frontline guest experience that defines the region’s reputation.
According to the association, investing in women across the sector strengthens the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Caribbean tourism. Supporting female professionals through leadership opportunities, mentorship and visibility not only benefits individual careers but also drives innovation and economic resilience throughout the hospitality industry.
Call for Action Across the Industry
CHTA is encouraging its members, tourism businesses and industry partners throughout the Caribbean to take concrete action in three key areas: mentorship and leadership development, access to resources that support inclusive workplaces, and increased visibility for women in the sector.
The association said intentional efforts are needed to build leadership pipelines. It is calling on member organizations to nominate emerging female professionals to engage with the CHTA Young Leaders Forum and is encouraging senior executives to mentor and sponsor women within their organizations and through national hotel and tourism associations.
In addition, the organization is urging industry leaders to review resources addressing gender bias and inclusive workplace practices. Materials from bodies such as the United Nations Population Fund can help businesses evaluate leadership pathways, strengthen inclusive practices and create work environments where talent is supported and retained.
CHTA also stressed the importance of visibility, encouraging members to highlight female leaders within their organizations and nominate representatives to be featured through the Women in Tourism Caribbean platform. According to the association, sharing the stories of women shaping Caribbean hospitality can inspire future professionals and better reflect the diversity of talent across the industry.
Women’s Role in Caribbean Tourism
Across the Caribbean, women play a significant role in shaping the tourism sector. They serve as general managers and executives, entrepreneurs and service providers, tourism board leaders and destination marketers, as well as the frontline professionals responsible for delivering memorable visitor experiences.
The association noted that women also hold prominent positions within CHTA itself, with three of the past five presidents being women and female leaders heading numerous national hotel and tourism associations throughout the region.
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang said that women are helping define the future of Caribbean tourism.
“International Women’s Day is an important moment of recognition, but recognition alone is not enough,” Destang said. “We are asking our members and partners to take tangible steps—to mentor, to create pathways and to ensure the next generation of female leaders has every opportunity to rise.”
CHTA Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Ledesma echoed the call, noting that the industry has long benefited from the leadership and contributions of women.
“Caribbean tourism has always been built by the hands and vision of extraordinary women,” she said. “What we must do now is be intentional about building leadership pipelines, creating inclusive workplaces and ensuring women’s contributions are visible and celebrated.”
Ledesma added that while International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize achievements, it should also serve as a catalyst for action.
“CHTA will continue to serve as a convener of leadership and a catalyst for opportunity, and we invite every member and partner across the region to join us in turning commitment into action,” she said.
Throughout the month of March, the association plans to highlight these focus areas across its platforms and encourage continued engagement from members and the wider tourism community.
