The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at info@marketplaceexcellence.com. | | Caribbean hospitality veteran calls for clearer policies to build traveler trust | | |
A seasoned Caribbean hospitality professional is urging regional businesses to make their hospitality policies more visible and accessible, warning that today’s travelers are placing a premium on clarity before making bookings.
Beverly Nicholson Doty, CEO of Figment Marketing and a veteran with more than three decades of leadership across the Caribbean tourism landscape, believes that destinations and hospitality operators must market confidence with the same energy they direct to promoting their tourism product.
Nicholson Doty said: “That means making policies simple, visible and easy to understand; responding quickly to inquiries; showcasing authentic guest testimonials; and empowering staff to resolve issues with flexibility and empathy. Travelers are looking for reassurance before they book. The destinations and businesses that communicate trust as clearly as they communicate value will have a competitive advantage.”
Nicholson Doty previously served as commissioner of tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands and later as CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority where she guided the safe relaunch of the island’s tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. A former chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), she currently serves on CTO’s Allied Board of Directors.
Her message comes at a critical time as Caribbean destinations compete for discerning travelers who research cancellation policies, health protocols, refund procedures and service guarantees well in advance of booking. Experts agree that clear, proactive communication of these policies can significantly reduce hesitation and strengthen destination reputation.
| | Storytelling starts the journey, says airline CEO | |
Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways, believes what inspires travelers to choose one Caribbean destination over another begins with storytelling.
In last week’s Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Allied Member Insights blog, Sadler explained that before a traveler chooses a destination, something has to make them care about it.
“For many Caribbean islands, the challenge is not a lack of beauty, history or experiences. It is a lack of stories reaching the people who would value them,” he wrote.
Four years ago, interCaribbean Airways moved away from the familiar promise of sun, sand and sea, and began building its destination storytelling around three pillars: culture, cuisine and community.
“Culture is how people live, celebrate and hold on to who they are. Cuisine carries memory, migration and family tradition. Community gives each story its human voice,” explained Sadler.
He highlighted the airline’s storytelling around Grenada’s national dish as an example of this approach. “Oil down is the country’s national dish, but a list of ingredients cannot explain what it means. The deeper story lives around the pot. It is found in who prepares the meal, how knowledge passes between generations, the conversations shared while it cooks and why the dish belongs so deeply to Grenada. That story does more than introduce a meal. It helps someone understand the destination before arriving,” he said.
Sadler asserted that when local stories receive the care they deserve, they spark curiosity about islands, communities and traditions audiences might otherwise overlook. “The Caribbean does not need to reduce itself to one familiar image. Our strength lies in the differences between our destinations and the shared history connecting them.”
| | “We must deepen regional integration, improve transportation and connectivity, strengthen food and nutrition security, advance the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, embrace digital transformation, support innovation, and ensure that every citizen can feel the benefits of belonging to CARICOM in their everyday lives. On this CARICOM Day (July 3, 2026), I especially call on our young people to see themselves as leaders, innovators and builders of this Caribbean Community. Our future will be shaped by your ideas, your creativity, your energy and your belief in what we can achieve together.” — Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister, St. Lucia | Chairman, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) | | “Women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to help shape the future of Caribbean tourism, particularly in hospitality, wellness, events, creative industries and community-based tourism. Unlocking that potential requires greater access to markets, financing, mentorship and procurement opportunities.” — Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization | | Sharon Coward to drive CTO’s digital transformation agenda | | |
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has appointed Sharon Coward as senior manager of digital transformation & information technology. She previously served as interim administrator of the IT Department.
This executive-level position was established following the recommendations of the organization’s recent Information Technology Audit, which called for a revised IT structure to strengthen governance, enhance service reliability, address key audit findings, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the technology systems supporting both the Secretariat and CTO’s expanding portfolio of public-facing digital platforms.
In her new role, Coward will provide strategic leadership for the organization’s digital transformation, overseeing information technology, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, digital platforms, and technology investments. She will lead the implementation of CTO’s digital transformation agenda, ensuring technology continues to advance the organization’s strategic objectives, strengthen operational resilience, and enhance service delivery to members and stakeholders.
Coward will also serve as Program Lead for CTO TV, providing strategic direction and oversight for the growth of the organization’s new platform, which showcases Caribbean tourism, thought leadership and regional engagement.
Before moving into technology leadership, Coward built a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in Caribbean broadcast journalism. She served as an anchor at Trinidad and Tobago Television, produced and presented Caribbean Newsline and Caribbean Business for the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, and earned Reuters certifications in International and Business News Reporting.
| | “Isn’t it the nature of vision — to imagine, to believe in possibility, to see what others don’t see of what can become, what can happen? So I’ve learned to never despise small beginnings because God doesn’t, and He takes those small beginnings as a seed and over time He grows them into something significant if you are faithful with it.” — Reverend A.R. Bernard Sr., Founder, Christian Cultural Center | | |
World Brain Day is observed annually on July 22. Established 12 years ago by the World Federation of Neurology with support from the World Health Organization, the observance raises awareness of neurological disorders and the significance of maintaining brain health throughout life.
Neurological disorders, including epilepsy, stroke and dementia, affect millions of people worldwide. Nearly 80% of neurological deaths and disability occur in low- and middle-income countries where access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment is often limited. Raising public awareness, promoting early prevention and increasing access to quality care can help improve health outcomes.
Healthy lifestyle choices play an important role in protecting brain health at every stage of life. Regular physical activity, maintaining healthy blood pressure and staying mentally active can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Eating a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep and maintaining strong social connections also support overall brain function and well-being.
This year’s theme, “Brain Health for All Ages,” stresses the importance of protecting brain health throughout every stage of life. It encourages individuals, families and communities to adopt healthy habits that support lifelong cognitive well-being and help reduce the global burden of neurological disorders.
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