The Caribbean Tourism Organization Appoints Narendra Ramgulam as Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism

Published on July 25, 2025

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has made a significant move to further its commitment to sustainable tourism by appointing Narendra Ramgulam as the new Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism. This newly created position aligns with the CTO’s broader strategic vision for building a more resilient, sustainable, and regenerative tourism sector throughout the Caribbean.

A Step Toward a More Sustainable Caribbean Tourism Industry

The appointment of Ramgulam underscores the growing importance of sustainability in tourism across the Caribbean. The newly established role will see Ramgulam responsible for shaping and advancing regional strategies, policies, and frameworks that promote sustainability in tourism development. He will focus on strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders, encouraging the adoption of best practices, and sharing success stories from across the region. Ramgulam will also be tasked with monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability programs, ensuring that the region’s tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment or local communities.

The CTO’s push for sustainability is reflected in its “Reimagine Plan,” which aims to transform the tourism sector into a more eco-conscious and regenerative industry. This plan includes working closely with governments, private sector partners, and local communities to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the region’s long-term prosperity. The addition of Ramgulam to the leadership team is seen as a pivotal step in executing this plan, as the CTO focuses on aligning the tourism industry with global sustainability goals.

Ramgulam’s Expertise in Sustainable Tourism

Narendra Ramgulam brings to the CTO a wealth of experience in both sustainable tourism practices and regional tourism development. Having joined the CTO as a Sustainable Tourism Consultant in 2024, Ramgulam has already been instrumental in helping the organization advance its sustainability objectives. His deep understanding of the Caribbean’s tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in regenerative tourism practices, makes him a natural fit for the newly created Deputy Director role.

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper expressed confidence in Ramgulam’s abilities, highlighting his dedication to sustainability and his innovative approach to problem-solving. “We are thrilled to welcome Narendra to this new leadership role,” said Regis-Prosper. “His contributions over the past year have been invaluable, and we are confident his expertise, creativity, and passion for sustainability will help elevate our work in the region.”

A Career Steeped in Tourism and Sustainability

Before joining the CTO, Ramgulam had a distinguished career in tourism development and management. He previously served as the Director of Tourism Product Development and Destination Management at the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited. In this role, he led initiatives that resulted in prestigious sustainability awards for the island, showcasing his ability to blend tourism growth with environmental responsibility. His leadership was especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his work helped to establish a strong reputation for safety and reliability in the tourism sector.

Ramgulam’s academic background further complements his professional experience. He served as a Postgraduate Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, where he shared his knowledge with future tourism leaders. His scholarly contributions include 13 publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, further solidifying his position as a respected thought leader in the field of sustainable tourism.

Strengthening Stakeholder Capacity Across the Region

One of the key aspects of Ramgulam’s role as Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism will be strengthening the capacity of stakeholders across the Caribbean to embrace sustainable tourism practices. This will involve training and development programs aimed at local governments, tourism operators, and community leaders. Ramgulam will work closely with these groups to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to implement sustainable tourism strategies effectively.

Moreover, Ramgulam will collaborate with international partners and organizations to bring global best practices to the region. By fostering a more interconnected and collaborative approach to sustainability, the CTO hopes to build a unified and collective effort toward tourism that benefits both the environment and local communities.

A Regenerative Future for Caribbean Tourism

The CTO’s decision to focus on regenerative tourism—a model that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore and improve the natural environment—represents an exciting shift in how the region views tourism. Regenerative tourism emphasizes leaving a positive impact on the ecosystems, cultures, and communities that host travelers. Under Ramgulam’s leadership, the CTO will continue to explore ways to integrate regenerative practices into the Caribbean tourism sector, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

A Strategic Appointment for the Caribbean’s Long-Term Growth

Ramgulam’s appointment is not only significant for the CTO but also for the Caribbean’s broader tourism strategy. As international travelers increasingly seek out destinations that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, the Caribbean stands to benefit from its commitment to these values. By embracing regenerative and sustainable tourism, the region can not only improve its global standing but also ensure that its economic growth is in harmony with environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, the appointment of Narendra Ramgulam as Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism marks a significant milestone for the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the region’s tourism sector as a whole. His extensive experience, academic background, and deep passion for sustainability position him to lead the charge in making the Caribbean a model for sustainable and regenerative tourism. With Ramgulam at the helm of this crucial role, the Caribbean is poised to continue its leadership in the global tourism industry while preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.