The Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, will headline two flagship events during the Caribbean Week in New York 2025, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) from 1–6 June under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism.”
Minister Darrell has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker at the Caribbean Next-Gen Showcase on Tuesday, 3 June, and the Caribbean Media Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, 4 June. His participation underscores Bermuda’s leadership in sustainable tourism and its commitment to regional innovation and youth engagement.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Minister Darrell shared, "It is an honour to represent Bermuda at such an esteemed gathering of Caribbean tourism leaders. Our shared future relies on empowering young innovators, celebrating excellence in media, and forging strategic partnerships that promote resilience and inclusivity across the region. I look forward to exchanging ideas and highlighting Bermuda’s contributions to a more sustainable and dynamic Caribbean tourism landscape."
The Caribbean Next-Gen Showcase is a vibrant platform where tertiary-level students from CTO member states present visionary business proposals aimed at positioning tourism as a driver of economic transformation. The event challenges youth to integrate tourism with sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and cultural heritage, with a sharp focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and measurable community impact. Minister Darrell’s opening address will set the tone for this inaugural initiative, designed to catalyse regional development through intergenerational collaboration.
The Caribbean Media Awards Breakfast, set for the following morning, celebrates excellence in regional and international journalism. It honours media professionals who have significantly advanced the Caribbean’s image and narrative across digital, broadcast, and print platforms. Minister Darrell will deliver the keynote at this prestigious gathering, which draws tourism officials, industry leaders, media partners, and content creators committed to authentic Caribbean storytelling.
In addition, the Meeting of the Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners will be held on Monday, 2 June, which is an assembly organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), bringing together senior tourism officials from member countries and territories. These meetings serve as a platform for regional leaders to discuss and coordinate strategies aimed at enhancing the Caribbean's tourism sector. The Minister will highlight the numerous accomplishments in Bermuda’s tourism industry.
All events are expected to attract regional ministers, commissioners, business leaders, development partners, and members of the diaspora.