New leader for Caribbean tourism

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has confirmed Barbadian Hugh Riley as its new secretary general.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has confirmed Barbadian Hugh Riley as its new secretary general.

The announcement was made last week by CTO’s chairman, John Maginley, who described Riley as an experienced Caribbean tourism professional with a clear vision of how to advance the region’s tourism industry.

His appointment follows several months as acting secretary general and an equally extensive search and thorough selection process. He succeeds Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace of the Bahamas.

As the CTO’s chief executive officer, Riley will oversee the organization’s offices in Barbados, North America and Europe .

“Mr. Riley has an intimate knowledge of the tourism industry and a sound strategic vision for what the region needs in order to remain competitive, particularly in these trying times. We are confident that he is up to the challenge,” Maginley said.

The former CTO marketing director of North America takes up his new job amid the current global economic downturn that has severely impacted the Caribbean tourism industry. A recent report indicates that this past winter, Caribbean hotels saw a 16 percent decline in profits compared to last year.

The CTO, with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, Toronto and London, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency and comprises membership of over 30 regional governments.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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