Caribbean Week New York 2025 to Spotlight Resilience, Innovation and Culture in Regional Tourism

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is set to stage one of the most impactful events in the regional travel calendar with Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) 2025, running June 1 through 6.

This year’s edition, themed “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” promises an impressive convergence of tourism titans, government ministers, media influencers, and cultural icons to celebrate and chart the future of Caribbean tourism in North America’s most dynamic city.

Held annually in alignment with Caribbean-American Heritage Month, CWNY has evolved into the premier platform to showcase the vibrancy, innovation, and economic power of the Caribbean tourism sector. This year, the program has expanded its scope with focused sessions on technology, sustainability, youth innovation, and cultural celebration.

Star-Studded Lineup of Tourism Leaders and Influencers

CWNY 2025 will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists representing governments, private industry, media, and culture. Leading the delegation are tourism ministers and senior officials from key Caribbean territories, including:

• Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Cardigan Connor, Minister of Tourism, Anguilla
• Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Bermuda
• Latia Duncombe, Director General, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
• Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda
• Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis
• Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Chairman of the CTO Ministerial Council

These government leaders will join influential corporate executives such as Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, and media luminaries like Jennifer Bisram, CBS News New York anchor, and Peter Greenberg, Emmy-winning CBS Travel Editor.

Additionally, notable cultural figures will add vibrancy and local flavor, including Asa Banton, famed Bouyon artist from Dominica, and Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond.

Thematic Focus: Resilience and Innovation

The 2025 CWNY theme reflects the Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to rebuilding and future-proofing its tourism sector following global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic disruptions.

The CTO’s Reimagine Plan, a strategic roadmap launched during the week, focuses on diversification, sustainability, and the integration of technology across the industry to enhance competitiveness and visitor experiences.

Key sessions will explore:

• Artificial Intelligence and Hospitality Innovation: Discussing how AI is revolutionizing guest services, personalized marketing, and operational efficiencies in Caribbean hotels and resorts.
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Highlighting regional efforts to preserve natural environments, promote eco-tourism, and build community resilience.
• Airline and Cruise Connectivity Forums: Featuring senior executives from American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, IATA, and Nassau Cruise Port, focusing on improving regional and international access.
• Orange Economy and Creative Industries: Examining the growing role of arts, culture, and creative entrepreneurship as pillars of sustainable economic development.

Youth Innovation: Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase

CWNY 2025 will spotlight the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders through the Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase. This competition highlights student-led projects targeting sustainable development in emerging tourism niches.

Under the theme “Innovative Tourism: Bridging Sectors for Sustainable Growth,” university teams from across the Caribbean have submitted proposals focusing on:

• Agri-Edu Tourism (Universities of West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados and St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago)
• Medical Cannabis Tourism (University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica)
• Dark Tourism (University College of the Cayman Islands)

Finalists will present their projects on June 3, judged by a panel of industry experts. This initiative is supported by partners including Caribbean Airlines Limited, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Lemoneight, Travel Unity, and New York City Tourism + Conventions.

The showcase embodies the CTO’s commitment to empowering youth, fostering innovation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Caribbean tourism.

Caribbean Cultural Showcase: A Vibrant New Tradition

A highlight of CWNY 2025 will be the inaugural Caribbean Cultural Showcase, a dynamic, immersive celebration of Caribbean heritage through music, dance, cuisine, and art.

Scheduled for June 5 at The Westin New York at Times Square, the event will feature live performances by The Legendary Supreme Team and other artists, culinary tastings inspired by island flavors, art exhibitions, exclusive travel offers, and prize giveaways.

This cultural event aims to connect attendees with the soul of the Caribbean, reinforcing the region’s unique identity as a premier travel destination rich in traditions and vibrant creativity.

Strong Industry and Government Support

The success of CWNY 2025 is buoyed by strong backing from regional governments and industry leaders. Sponsors include:

• Platinum: Dominica, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Gold: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bermuda, Global Ports Holding, Travel & Adventure Shows
• Silver: Sandals Resorts International, St. Kitts
• Bronze: Adara, A RateGain Company, Anguilla, Barbados, Tempo Networks

These partnerships underscore the collaborative spirit within the Caribbean tourism sector to enhance competitiveness and showcase the region’s immense appeal.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Role

The CTO, established in 1989 and headquartered in Barbados, serves as the principal regional tourism development agency. It promotes sustainable tourism practices, facilitates policy development, and coordinates marketing efforts for its 28 member territories.

By convening stakeholders during events like CWNY, the CTO drives knowledge sharing, fosters innovation, and strengthens the region’s global tourism presence.

Conclusion

Caribbean Week New York 2025 stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and cultural celebration. With a compelling blend of leadership, creativity, and forward-looking strategies, the event is poised to shape the Caribbean’s tourism trajectory for years to come.

From cutting-edge AI discussions to youth-led sustainable tourism projects, and from government forums to vibrant cultural showcases, CWNY embodies the Caribbean’s spirit of unity and ambition in crafting tomorrow’s tourism landscape.

For travel professionals, media, and Caribbean enthusiasts alike, CWNY 2025 is a must-attend event that promises to inspire, inform, and ignite the future of Caribbean tourism.