BREAKING:Fernandez Elected CTO Chairman as Antigua and Barbuda Returns to Regional Tourism Leadership

Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez has been unanimously elected chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, marking Antigua and Barbuda’s first return to the position in more than 15 years.

The election took place during the CTO Annual General Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, where Fernandez is attending the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC).

Anguilla’s Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor nominated Fernandez, with Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett seconding the nomination. He succeeds Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill.

The appointment also means that Colin James, chief executive officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, will assume the chairmanship of the CTO Board of Directors.

Fernandez described his election as an honour for Antigua and Barbuda and a responsibility to the wider region.

“This is not simply an Antigua and Barbuda moment; it is a Caribbean responsibility,” he said.

“Tourism remains the economic lifeblood of so many of our countries and territories, and at a time of tremendous global change, our responsibility is to ensure that this industry remains competitive, resilient, inclusive and, above all, beneficial to the people of the Caribbean.”

His priorities include advancing women into leadership positions across the tourism industry and increasing investment in the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals.

Fernandez also intends to focus on climate resilience, sustainable growth, improved travel connections within the region and stronger cooperation in marketing the Caribbean internationally. Workforce development, innovation, technology and strategic partnerships are also on his agenda.

The new chairman previously received the Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year award for 2020/2021, recognising his leadership during a particularly difficult period for the industry.

This year’s SOTIC is being held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.”

Ahead of the formal conference, Fernandez participated in CTO ministerial meetings and the Annual General Meeting. He also joined the inaugural Future Leaders Forum, engaging students and emerging tourism professionals on leadership and career opportunities.

He is expected to participate in the launch of SeaSuite Magazine, a CTO publication recognising women’s contributions to Caribbean tourism.

Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation includes Senator Angelica O’Donoghue, government relations manager in the Tourism Ministry; Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac; Tourism Authority CEO Colin James; Chief Marketing Officer Charmaine Spencer; and Noel Mignott of the authority’s United States office.

Fernandez thanked his regional counterparts for their confidence and acknowledged Gooding-Edghill’s stewardship of the organisation.

“This is our Caribbean. This is our industry. And its future must be one that we shape together,” he said.