Jacqueline Johnson receives CTO Legacy Award

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has honored CTO Foundation Chair Jacqueline Johnson with its Legacy Award as the foundation nears its 30th anniversary. The recognition spotlights her decades of work advancing tourism education, scholarships, and mentorship across the Caribbean.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization Legacy Award recognizes leadership that has helped build the region's tourism workforce. - The honor underscores the CTO Foundation's long-term focus on scholarships, mentorship and professional development for Caribbean nationals. - The foundation's education pipeline matters because tourism remains a people-driven industry across the Caribbean.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization presented Jacqueline Johnson with the Caribbean Tourism Organization Legacy Award in New York City on July 23, 2026. - Johnson serves as chair of the CTO Foundation and is a founding member of the board. - The recognition comes as the CTO Foundation approaches its 30th anniversary.

The details: - The CTO Foundation was established 27 years ago by former CTO Secretary General Dr. Gene Holder. - Johnson was named chairperson of the board of directors and has helped advance the foundation's scholarship mission. - The foundation supports 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 fund those opportunities. - Johnson said the foundation is 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 that education strengthens the Caribbean's competitiveness for generations. - 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. - Her career includes senior 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, where she led campaigns for cruise lines, hotels, tourism boards and travel companies. - Johnson has moderated international marketing forums, hosted bridal symposiums and led educational seminars worldwide. - The foundation says education remains the cornerstone of long-term tourism development. - The CTO has also recognized Johnson with its Tourism Medal of Excellence. - Johnson has received 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, Pacific Asia Travel Association and Africa Travel Association. - More information is available at cto-foundation.com.

Between the lines: - The award highlights how the CTO is tying industry recognition to workforce development, not just destination promotion. - Johnson's background in romance travel marketing shows how niche tourism expertise can translate into broader regional leadership. - The foundation's scholarship totals and fundraising history suggest a long-running institutional effort rather than a one-off initiative.

What's next: - The CTO Foundation is expected to keep leaning on education, mentorship and scholarships as it nears its 30-year mark. - Johnson's leadership will likely remain central to the foundation's efforts to develop future tourism professionals across the Caribbean. - The foundation says it will continue investing in students across the region as part of Caribbean tourism's long-term success.

The bottom line: - The Legacy Award turns attention to a simple message: Caribbean tourism's future depends on training the next generation now.