The Caribbean Tourism Organization plays an essential role in strengthening, promoting and protecting one of the region’s most important industries. Through research, advocacy, education, marketing and collaboration, the organization works to ensure that tourism continues to create meaningful economic and social benefits for Caribbean people.
One Caribbean Voice for Tourism
Established in 1989 and headquartered in Barbados, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, widely known as the CTO, is the region’s tourism development and advocacy agency.
Its membership includes Caribbean countries and territories representing several languages and cultures, along with private-sector allied members from across the tourism industry.
The CTO brings these members together to address shared opportunities and challenges, promote the Caribbean in international markets and support tourism development throughout the region.
Its vision is to position the Caribbean as the world’s most desirable year-round warm-weather destination, guided by the purpose: Leading Sustainable Tourism: One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.
Supporting a Stronger and More Sustainable Industry
The CTO’s work extends far beyond destination promotion. The organization collects and analyzes tourism data, produces industry research, provides technical assistance and helps members strengthen their marketing, planning and workforce-development efforts.
It also promotes sustainable tourism practices designed to protect the Caribbean’s natural environment, preserve its cultural identity and ensure that tourism contributes to employment and economic opportunity throughout the region.
Training and education are central to that mission. CTO programs support tourism professionals, educators, students, frontline employees and destination leaders with resources designed to improve service, leadership, research and industry preparedness.
Developing the Caribbean’s Next Generation of Leaders
The Caribbean Tourism Organization Scholarship Foundation was established in 1997 as a nonprofit organization registered in New York. It awarded its first scholarships and study grants in 1998.
Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation helps Caribbean nationals pursue education in tourism, hospitality, communications, technology, language training and other fields that contribute to the region’s tourism industry.
Its work is supported through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, tourism-industry partners and fundraising events.
Scholarships and Study Grants
The Foundation offers scholarships and study grants honoring Caribbean tourism leaders whose work helped shape the region’s development. Award availability, eligibility requirements and application dates may vary from year to year.
Recent scholarship opportunities have included the following:
The Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship supports Caribbean nationals pursuing advanced studies in sustainable tourism development.
The Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship supports studies in public relations, communications or brand management.
The Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship supports studies in tourism research, statistics, data science, information technology or cybersecurity.
The Bonita Morgan Memorial Scholarship supports studies in tourism education or human-resource development.
The Foundation also offers study grants to Caribbean nationals seeking to strengthen their abilities in tourism-related disciplines. Eligible areas may include tourism marketing, media, aeronautics, agrotourism, horticulture, event planning, piloting and other fields that support sustainable tourism and service excellence.
Through a partnership with the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies, the Foundation has also supported Caribbean participation in the university’s Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program.
Who Can Apply?
Scholarships and grants are intended for Caribbean nationals who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership ability and a commitment to contributing to the region’s development.
Awards generally provide tuition assistance, and applicants may be required to explain how they intend to meet any remaining educational expenses. Recipients may also be required to pledge that they will work in the Caribbean following graduation within the period established by their particular award.
Because scholarship offerings, award amounts and requirements may change, prospective applicants should review the Foundation’s official Scholarships and Grants page for the latest information.
Investing in Caribbean People
Tourism depends not only on beautiful destinations, but also on the people whose knowledge, creativity and dedication bring those destinations to life.
Through its regional programs and the work of its Scholarship Foundation, the Caribbean Tourism Organization helps students and professionals prepare for careers that can strengthen the industry, improve visitor experiences and create lasting benefits for Caribbean communities.
Supporting the next generation of tourism leaders is an investment in the future of the entire region.
