CTO Appoints Sustainable Tourism Lead to Execute Reimagine P

Caribbean Tourism Organization Scales Sustainable Development Capacity

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has strengthened its operational leadership by appointing Barbadian specialist Courtney-Diana Walker as the new Program Officer for Sustainable Tourism. Effective September 1, 2026, Walker joins the organization to accelerate the delivery of regenerative tourism initiatives across the region.

Working in tandem with Narendra Ramgulam, the CTO Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, Walker will focus on executing projects that align with the organization's long-term environmental and economic goals.

Strategic Alignment with Reimagine Plan 2025–2027

This appointment is a direct result of the CTO Reimagine Plan 2025–2027. Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism is one of five core strategic priorities within this framework, designed to shift the region toward a more competitive and resilient industry.

The primary objective of this strategic shift is to ensure that tourism growth provides tangible, lasting value for local economies and Caribbean communities, rather than focusing solely on arrival numbers.

Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO, noted that Walker’s combination of regional perspective and communications expertise will be vital in delivering this pillar of the Reimagine Plan.

Professional Expertise and Academic Background

Walker brings a multidisciplinary background to the role, blending experience in cultural advancement, strategic communication, and stakeholder collaboration. Her career spans the public and private sectors, providing her with a comprehensive view of the Caribbean’s destination development needs.

Her academic credentials include:

Master’s Degree in Cultural Studies from The University of the West Indies (UWI).
Master of Science in Tourism and Sports Management (currently pursuing) at UWI Cave Hill.

Driving Regional Resilience and Innovation

In her new capacity, Walker is tasked with helping Caribbean destinations adapt to shifting traveler expectations and emerging global trends. Her role focuses on three primary areas of impact:

Asset Protection: Implementing strategies to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the Caribbean.
Inclusive Planning: Developing destination models that prioritize community benefits and social development.
Regional Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between member destinations to create a unified approach to sustainable growth.

This initiative supports the CTO’s overarching vision: “Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.”

Key Takeaways

New Leadership: Courtney-Diana Walker appointed Program Officer for Sustainable Tourism as of September 1, 2026.
Strategic Framework: The role is central to the CTO Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, focusing on regenerative tourism.
Core Goals: The focus has shifted toward creating lasting economic and environmental value for local Caribbean populations.
Academic Rigor: The appointment leverages advanced degrees in Cultural Studies and Tourism/Sports Management from UWI.

FAQ

What is the CTO Reimagine Plan 2025–2027? It is a strategic roadmap identifying five key priorities to modernize the Caribbean tourism sector, with Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism serving as a primary pillar.

What is the difference between sustainable and regenerative tourism? While sustainable tourism seeks to minimize negative impacts, regenerative tourism aims to actively improve and restore the destinations, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Who does the new Program Officer report to or work with? Courtney-Diana Walker works alongside Narendra Ramgulam, the Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism.