The 11th regional Tourism Human Resource conference will be held in the Virgin Islands in October. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Ms Sasha D.A. Flax, said hosting the 11th CTO Human Resources Conference in the Virgin Islands is both an honour and an opportunity. Photo: Team of Reporters

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation believes tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean, with its success rooted in the people who deliver exceptional experiences. Photo: CTO

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), the conference will take place from October 28 to 31, 2025, according to a press release issued on Monday, September 1, 2025. 

The conference will be held under the theme ‘The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism’. 

Human Resource (HR) professionals, educators, trainers, consultants, students, practitioners, and tourism stakeholders from the public and private sectors will gather in Tortola for the conference. 

An estimated 100 delegates from across the region will explore how HR leaders can balance technology, talent, and culture to create workplaces that foster engagement, resilience, and service excellence. 

An opportunity to invest in the ‘core’ of the industry

Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Ms Sasha D.A. Flax said, “Hosting the 11th CTO Human Resources Conference in the Virgin Islands is both an honour and an opportunity.”

Ms Flax said that with tourism being the backbone of the VI’s economy, this conference allows for investment in the people of the Territory, who are the core of the industry. 

“By bringing together these regional leaders and experts, we will share knowledge, strengthen skills, and build a workforce that is resilient, innovative, and ready to meet the evolving demands of global tourism.”

She added that the conference’s benefits extend beyond the event as it will help “to elevate service standards and ensure a sustainable, competitive future for the Virgin Islands.” 

The 11th CTO Human Resources Conference is being held in partnership with the BVI Tourist Board and the BVI Yachting, Hotel, and Tourism Association.

Tourism is Caribbean’s lifeblood

Meanwhile, the CTO has said tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean, with its success rooted in the people who deliver exceptional experiences. 

“In a region where tourism and hospitality are more than a business, it’s a way of life, HR professionals must redefine workforce strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent while ensuring excellence at every touchpoint in the process,” the organisation stated. 

The last CTO Tourism Human Resources conference was held in 2023 in Nevis.