Jacqueline Johnson receives Caribbean Tourism Organization 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 highlights three decades of scholarship funding, mentorship and workforce development tied to Caribbean tourism.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation is nearing 30 years of using education to build the region’s tourism workforce. - The Legacy Award recognizes Jacqueline Johnson’s role in expanding scholarships, mentorship and professional development for Caribbean nationals. - The foundation’s work is tied to long-term competitiveness in Caribbean tourism, where training and opportunity affect future leadership.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization presented Jacqueline Johnson with the Caribbean Tourism Organization Legacy Award. - Johnson serves as Chair of the CTO Foundation Board and is a founding member of the board. - The foundation was established 27 years ago by former CTO Secretary General Dr. Gene Holder. - The announcement came as the CTO Foundation approaches its 30th anniversary. - Johnson said the foundation is committed to investing in young Caribbean nationals through education and opportunity.

The details: - The CTO Foundation supports Caribbean nationals pursuing careers in tourism, hospitality, language studies and related fields. - The foundation has awarded major scholarships to 128 students and study grants to 186 more students. - The organization has raised more than US$1.0 million for educational support. - 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 working on romance tourism programs for destinations. - Her prior leadership roles include senior executive positions at Condé Nast Bridal Group, Bridal Guide and New York Magazine. - Earlier in her career, Johnson was vice president and media director at a Madison Avenue advertising agency. - In that role, she led marketing 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. - Her work has brought together destinations, travel advisors, media and industry stakeholders to support the romance travel market. - Johnson has also received the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 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, Pacific Asia Travel Association and Africa Travel Association. - The CTO Foundation was established in 1997 and registered in New York as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. - The foundation says its mission is to support higher education in tourism-related fields and strengthen Caribbean tourism.

Between the lines: - The award underscores how Caribbean tourism groups are linking leadership recognition to workforce development. - Johnson’s background in romance travel and destination marketing helps explain why the foundation views education as a direct investment in tourism growth. - The scholarship totals show a long-running effort, but the scale also suggests the foundation is still dependent on continued fundraising.

What's next: - The CTO Foundation will continue using scholarships and professional development to support future tourism leaders. - As the foundation approaches 30 years, more emphasis is likely to fall on how education investments translate into stronger tourism outcomes across the Caribbean. - Johnson’s ongoing leadership at the foundation and in international travel groups positions her to remain a visible advocate for the sector.

The bottom line: - The Legacy Award honors Johnson’s individual record, but the larger story is the CTO Foundation’s bet that education is the clearest path to a more competitive Caribbean tourism industry.