BVI Set to Host Prestigious Regional Tourism
The British Virgin Islands will welcome HR professionals, educators, and tourism stakeholders from across the Caribbean for the 11th CTO Human Resources Conference, slated for October 28-31, 2025. Focused on ‘The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism,’ the event aims to enhance industry standards and foster a sustainable tourism future.
In a significant development for the local tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), has announced that the British Virgin Islands (BVI) will host the 11th CTO Human Resources Conference.
Scheduled from October 28 to 31, 2025, the conference will take place under the theme ‘The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism.’ An estimated 100 delegates from across the region are expected to converge in Tortola, the heart of the BVI, to engage in discussions on how human resource leaders can effectively balance technology, talent, and culture to foster workplace environments that promote engagement, resilience, and service excellence.
The gathering is poised to bring together HR professionals, educators, trainers, consultants, students, practitioners, and key tourism stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Ms. Flax, highlighted the importance of the conference, stating, “Hosting the 11th CTO Human Resources Conference in the Virgin Islands is both an honour and an opportunity.” She emphasized that tourism is the backbone of the VI’s economy and investing in the industry's core—its people—is crucial for continuous growth and innovation.
The conference, held in partnership with the BVI Tourist Board and the BVI Yachting, Hotel, and Tourism Association, aims not only to share knowledge and strengthen skills but also to build a workforce that is ready to meet the evolving demands of global tourism. This initiative reflects the broader recognition that tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean, necessitating a strategic focus on workforce development to ensure the region remains competitive and continues to offer exceptional experiences to visitors.
The last CTO Tourism Human Resources conference, which took place in 2023 in Nevis, set a precedent for impactful discussions and outcomes. The BVI’s hosting of the upcoming event underscores the territory’s commitment to elevating service standards and ensuring a sustainable, competitive future for its tourism industry.
As the conference approaches, anticipation builds among local and regional tourism professionals eager to contribute to and benefit from this significant gathering.
Primary source: VINO