Antigua and Barbuda has officially assumed the leadership of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), marking a significant transition in the regional body’s governance as it looks to accelerate its strategic development agenda. The announcement was made following the CTO’s Annual General Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, held just ahead of the highly anticipated State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026.
Charles “Max” Fernandez, the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, has been elected as the new chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism. He succeeds Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, who oversaw two years of transformative growth and regional cooperation. Concurrently, Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, will lead the Board of Directors, stepping in for outgoing chair Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
The transition comes at a pivotal time for the Caribbean tourism sector. Under the leadership of the Barbados delegation, the CTO successfully championed the “Reimagine Plan,” a strategic blueprint centered on five pillars: advocacy, market competitiveness, tourism intelligence, sustainable and regenerative tourism, and people development. Minister Gooding-Edghill’s tenure was marked by a commitment to regional unity, ensuring that Caribbean nations speak with a collective, authoritative voice on the global stage.
CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper praised the outgoing leadership for their stewardship and expressed confidence in the new appointments. “We extend our sincere appreciation to Minister Gooding-Edghill and CEO Andrea Franklin for their commitment to regional collaboration,” said Regis-Prosper. “We welcome Minister Fernandez and CEO James as they take on their respective roles at an important point in the CTO’s evolution, as we continue translating our strategy into meaningful action and greater value for our members.”
The new leadership structure extends beyond the chairman roles. The Board also elected vice chairs to represent the diverse subregions of the Caribbean. The United States Virgin Islands (U.S. territories), the British Virgin Islands (British overseas territories), Saint-Martin (French-speaking territories), and St. Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas (CARICOM) will all hold seats on the Executive Committee. A representative for the Dutch-speaking territories is expected to be selected at a later date.
As Minister Fernandez assumes his new duties, the focus shifts immediately to the SOTIC 2026 conference. Held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive,” the forum brings together industry leaders, private-sector partners, and stakeholders to dissect the complex issues currently shaping the regional landscape. With a strengthened executive team, the CTO appears well-positioned to continue its push for deeper integration of local supply chains, workforce innovation, and infrastructure development, ensuring the Caribbean remains a competitive and resilient force in global tourism.
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