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Beverly Nicholson-Doty, a leading tourism marketing expert from the United States Virgin Islands, was honored with the “Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award” at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Women’s Leadership Awards in New York last week.

The award was presented during the “Caribbean Queens: Saluting Women Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism” breakfast and awards event at the InterContinental New York’s Times Square as part of the Caribbean Week festivities. Donna Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO, Nicholson-Doty, who currently serves as CEO of Figment Design, a Miami-based advertising agency, presented this special commendation.

Recognizing a tourism professional with more than 20 years of dedicated service and significant contribution to regional tourism, the award also highlights the recipient’s role in inspiring and supporting other women in the industry.

Nicholson-Doty’s distinguished career spanned more than 30 years, during which she served as CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, leading its marketing, destination services and general administration efforts. From 2007 to 2018, she was the Commissioner of Tourism for the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, where she played a key role in directing the region’s marketing, sales and strategic planning initiatives for travel, tourism and hospitality, promoting cross-sector partnerships. fields

The awards ceremony, which brought together tourism ministers and directors from CTO member countries, celebrated the remarkable achievements of women who have significantly advanced Caribbean tourism.

In addition to Nicholson-Doty’s recognition, Saint-Martin’s Commissioner of Tourism and Culture Valérie Damaseau received the Minister of Tourism Award, while Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, was honored with the Director of Tourism Award.

The Director of Tourism Awards, chosen by peers for exceptional leadership, destination development and regional dedication, and the Minister of Tourism Awards, chosen by fellow ministers or tourism commissioners, celebrate excellence in their respective fields.

“The Women’s Leadership Award was established out of a need to recognize the important role women play in Caribbean tourism. In almost every corner of our industry, women’s contributions are essential in driving the sector forward and raising our industry to the highest levels. Women make up a significant portion of the tourism workforce in the Caribbean, and their Leadership is essential not only to grow the sector, but also to inspire and empower future generations of women leaders.” Regis-Prosper said.

During the intimate breakfast event, Audrey Irvine, senior director of newssource newsgathering at CNN, captivated the audience with powerful insights, sharing her personal journey, career triumphs and the obstacles she faced along the way.

The Women’s Leadership Awards also featured an outstanding address by Rosa Harris, CTO Chairman of the Board of Directors and Cayman Islands Director of Tourism. The event was proudly sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Diamonds International.

Caribbean Week in New York was headlined by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation. Gold sponsors include the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos and the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Silver sponsorship came from Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Jamaica Tourist Board and Sandals Resorts International. ADARA – a RateGain Company supported the event as a Bronze Sponsor. Additional sponsors were Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, Marketplace Excellence and S’Aimer NYC.