CTO names Courtney-Diana Walker sustainable tourism program officer

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has appointed Barbadian professional Courtney-Diana Walker as program officer, sustainable tourism, effective Sept. 1. The move supports CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025–2027 as the group pushes sustainable and regenerative tourism across the Caribbean.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization is adding capacity for sustainable and regenerative tourism work across the region. - The appointment supports CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, where Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism is one of five strategic pillars. - CTO wants tourism growth to deliver long-term economic, social and environmental value for Caribbean communities.

What happened: - CTO appointed Barbadian tourism and communications professional Courtney-Diana Walker as program officer, sustainable tourism. - Walker officially started Sept. 1. - Walker will support Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s deputy director of sustainable tourism, on programs and initiatives tied to CTO’s sustainable tourism priorities.

The details: - CTO said Walker’s background combines regional perspective, academic grounding, communications expertise and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism. - Walker’s experience spans sustainable tourism, cultural development, strategic communications, events, research and stakeholder engagement. - Her work across public, private and institutional settings has given her a broad view of the Caribbean tourism and cultural landscape. - Walker holds a master’s degree in Cultural Studies from The University of the West Indies. - Walker is completing a Master of Science in Tourism and Sports Management at UWI Cave Hill. - Her professional background includes project coordination, program development, strategic communications, event management, research and regional stakeholder engagement. - Walker has also worked on initiatives supporting the creative and tourism industries. - Her interests include sustainable and inclusive tourism, destination development and tourism’s role in generating economic and social impact. - In the new role, Walker will help strengthen sustainable tourism practices, support destination development and advance CTO’s purpose of “Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.”

Between the lines: - CTO is signaling that sustainable tourism is moving from a broad policy goal to a staffing priority. - The appointment also suggests the organization is tying tourism development more closely to resilience and community benefit, not just visitor growth. - CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper said Walker’s appointment strengthens the organization’s ability to deliver on the Reimagine Plan and create lasting value across the Caribbean.

What's next: - Walker will work alongside CTO’s sustainable tourism team on ongoing and new initiatives under the Reimagine Plan. - CTO is expected to continue advancing destination development efforts focused on resilience, competitiveness and regional benefit. - More information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization is available on the organization’s website.