Hodge-Smith Named CTO Minister of Tourism
Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith was honoured as the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year on June 1, 2026, during Caribbean Week in New York. The award, voted on by regional tourism professionals, recognises her leadership and raises the Virgin Islands’ profile within Caribbean tourism circles.
Hodge-Smith was named Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at an awards ceremony held on Monday, June 1, 2026, during Caribbean Week in New York at the InterContinental New York Times Square. The accolade, determined by votes from fellow tourism professionals across the region, places Hodge-Smith among two distinguished Caribbean tourism leaders recognised at the event.
Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and Chair of the CTO Board of Directors, was named Director of Tourism of the Year for 2026. The CTO’s awards programme honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, contribute to destination development, strengthen Caribbean tourism, and serve as role models for future generations—particularly for women entering the sector.
In keeping with that mandate, the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in recognition of her work promoting healthier and safer tourism environments and advancing sustainable tourism practices across the region.
For residents of the British Virgin Islands, Hodge-Smith’s recognition is more than a personal honour: it signals increased regional visibility for the Territory at a time when tourism remains central to the local economy. Awards decided by industry peers can translate into stronger networking opportunities, greater collaboration with regional bodies such as the CTO and CARPHA, and more attention from travel trade partners and investors who watch Caribbean Week closely.
The award also highlights priorities likely to shape BVI tourism policy moving forward—destination marketing, resilience, sustainable development and health and safety standards. CARPHA’s recognition at the same ceremony underscores the continuing importance of public health protocols and sustainable practices for protecting both residents and visitors, and for maintaining the Territory’s appeal to international travellers.
While the CTO announcement did not include details of specific initiatives tied to the honour, the recognition provides a platform for Hodge-Smith and local tourism stakeholders to promote the Virgin Islands in regional forums, attract investment and support small businesses that depend on tourism.
Residents can expect continued emphasis on marketing the BVI’s unique experiences, strengthening regional partnerships, and upholding health and environmental standards that benefit both the community and visitors. The awards night capped a week of Caribbean Week activities in New York, where regional tourism leaders gather annually to showcase destinations and set shared priorities for development and recovery across the Caribbean.
Primary source: VINO