Jacqueline Johnson receives CTO Legacy Award as foundation nears 30 years

The Caribbean Tourism Organization honored Jacqueline Johnson with its Legacy Award as the CTO Foundation nears its 30th anniversary. The recognition highlights three decades of scholarship, mentorship and workforce development aimed at strengthening the Caribbean tourism sector.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation is marking nearly 30 years of investing in tourism education across the region. - The foundation’s scholarship and grant program is aimed at building the next generation of Caribbean tourism, hospitality and language professionals. - Johnson’s recognition spotlights the link between education funding and long-term competitiveness in Caribbean tourism.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization presented Jacqueline Johnson with the Caribbean Tourism Organization Legacy Award. - The honor recognizes Johnson’s leadership as chair of the CTO Foundation Board and her long service to Caribbean tourism education. - The announcement came as the CTO Foundation approaches its 30th anniversary.

The details: - Johnson was a founding member of the CTO Foundation Board, which was established 27 years ago by former CTO Secretary General Dr. Gene Holder. - Johnson later became chairperson of the Board of Directors. - The foundation provides scholarships and professional development opportunities for Caribbean nationals pursuing careers in tourism, hospitality, language studies and related fields. - Since its founding, the CTO Foundation has awarded major scholarships to 128 students and study grants to another 186 students. - The organization has raised more than US$1.0 million to support those educational opportunities. - Johnson said the foundation’s work is about investing in talented young Caribbean nationals whose passion and commitment will shape the future of the industry. - Johnson said tourism is powered by people, and education today strengthens the Caribbean’s competitiveness for generations to come. - Johnson is president and CEO of Global Bridal Group, a multimedia company focused on branding, media, e-commerce and destination marketing. - Johnson has spent more than three decades helping destinations build romance tourism programs through marketing, partnerships and consumer engagement. - Johnson’s career includes senior executive roles at Condé Nast Bridal Group, Bridal Guide and New York Magazine. - Earlier in her career, Johnson served as vice president and media director at a Madison Avenue advertising agency that managed campaigns for cruise lines, hotels, tourism boards and travel companies. - Johnson has moderated international marketing forums, hosted bridal symposiums and led educational seminars around the world. - Johnson has received multiple honors, including the CTO Tourism Medal of Excellence, Jamaica’s Marcella Martinez Award, the Jerry Award for Outstanding Support of Caribbean Tourism and MarryCaribbean.com’s Service Award of Excellence. - Johnson is a Certified Travel Counselor and participates in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Africa Travel Association. - The CTO Foundation, established in 1997 and registered in New York as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, says its mission is to support Caribbean nationals pursuing higher education in tourism-related fields. - More information is available at cto-foundation.com.

Between the lines: - The award reflects Johnson’s dual role as both an industry executive and a long-time educator. - The foundation’s focus on scholarships suggests CTO sees talent development as a core tourism strategy, not just a side program. - Johnson’s background in romance travel and destination marketing gives the honor a broader industry profile beyond the Caribbean alone.

What's next: - The CTO Foundation says it will continue funding education, mentorship and opportunity for Caribbean students. - As the foundation nears 30 years, its next phase is likely to center on sustaining scholarship support and expanding its talent pipeline. - Johnson’s continued leadership points to ongoing emphasis on workforce development within Caribbean tourism.

The bottom line: - The Legacy Award recognizes Jacqueline Johnson’s long-running impact on Caribbean tourism education and underscores the CTO Foundation’s bet on people as the region’s best growth strategy.