Caribbean Week in New York sees first-ever Caribbean Tourism Organization Women’s leadership Awards

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Beverly Nicholson-Doty, a prominent tourism marketing expert from the United States Virgin Islands, was honored with the “Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award” at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s Women’s Leadership Awards in New York last week.

The award was presented during the “Caribbean Queens: Saluting Women Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism” Breakfast & Awards event at the InterContinental New York Times Square, as part of the Caribbean Week festivities. Dona Regis-Prosper, the CTO Secretary-General & CEO, bestowed this special accolade upon Nicholson-Doty, who currently serves as the CEO of the Miami-based advertising agency, Figment Design.

Recognizing a tourism professional with over 20 years of dedicated service and significant contributions to regional tourism, the award also highlights the recipient’s role in inspiring and supporting other women in the industry.

Nicholson-Doty’s distinguished career spans more than 30 years, during which she served as the CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, leading its marketing, destination services, and general administration efforts. From 2007 to 2018, she was the Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, where she played a pivotal role in directing the Territory’s marketing, sales, and strategic planning initiatives for travel, tourism, and hospitality, fostering partnerships across various sectors.

The awards ceremony, which brought together Directors and Ministers of Tourism from CTO member nations, celebrated the remarkable achievements of women who have significantly advanced Caribbean tourism.

In addition to Nicholson-Doty’s recognition, Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin, received the Minister of Tourism Award, while Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, was honored with the Director of Tourism Award.

The Director of Tourism Award, chosen by peers for exceptional leadership, destination development, and regional dedication, and the Minister of Tourism Award, selected by fellow Ministers or Commissioners of Tourism, celebrate excellence in their respective fields.

“The Women’s Leadership Awards have been instituted out of a need to recognize the vital role of women in Caribbean tourism. In nearly every corner of our industry, the contributions of women have been essential in driving the sector forward and elevating our industry to the highest levels. Women make up a substantial portion of the tourism workforce in the Caribbean, and their leadership is needed not only for the sector’s growth, but also to inspire and empower future generations of women leaders,” said Regis-Prosper.

During the intimate breakfast event, Audrey Irvine, Senior Director of Newsource Newsgathering at CNN, captivated the audience with powerful insights, sharing her personal journey, career triumphs, and the obstacles she faced along the way.

The Women’s Leadership Awards also featured an uplifting address by Rosa Harris, CTO Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Tourism of the Cayman Islands. This event was proudly sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Diamonds International.

Caribbean Week in New York was headlined by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. The gold sponsors included the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Silver sponsorship came from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Jamaica Tourist Board, and Sandals Resorts International. ADARA – A RateGain Company supported the event as a bronze sponsor. Additional supporters were Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, Marketplace Excellence, and S’Aimer NYC.