Premier and Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley on Tuesday opened the 11th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Human Resources Conference, highlighting that the strength of Caribbean tourism lies not in its infrastructure or technology, but in its people.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at Maria’s By The Sea Hotel, Premier Wheatley described the conference’s theme — “The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism” — as a timely reflection of the region’s core values. “Planes, hotels, or technology don’t power our industry; people power it,” he said. “By the front desk agent who greets you with a smile. By the chef who pours love into every dish. By the housekeeper, the tour guide, the taxi driver — by every single person who makes the Caribbean experience what it is.”
The premier said the conference serves to recognise and prepare tourism workers for a future in which human excellence remains central to the industry’s success. “This conference is about putting people — our most valuable resource — front and centre. It’s about celebrating them, training them, and preparing them for a future where human excellence remains the soul of Caribbean tourism,” he added.
Delegates from across the region, including the British and United States Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, the Cayman Islands, as well as representatives from Florida and Canada, are attending the Oct. 28–31 event.
In her remarks, Mrs. Sharon Flax-Brutus, Interim Executive Director of the BVI Yachting, Hotel, and Tourism Association, said redefining human resources requires a people-centred approach. “Redefining HR today means looking beyond policies and procedures to focus on our people, their purpose, and their well-being,” she said.
Dr. Kendra Roach, Chapter President of SHRM Virgin Islands, said redefining HR excellence is a shared duty. “It is a call not only to leadership but to collective responsibility,” she told delegates.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and included remarks from Mrs. Delma Maduro, Chair of the BVI Tourist Board, and Mrs. Donna Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada.
Local vendors were also present, offering delegates an opportunity to purchase Virgin Islands-made products and souvenirs.
Over the coming days, attendees will participate in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and master classes on topics such as “Reimagining Employee Experience,” “Leveraging Talent and Culture,” “Artificial Intelligence,” “Building Trustworthy Workplaces,” “Women in Tourism,” and “Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity for Leadership.” Delegates will also take part in field tours showcasing the Virgin Islands’ tourism offerings.
