Jacqueline Johnson gets CTO Legacy Award for tourism education work

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has honored Jacqueline Johnson with its Legacy Award as the CTO Foundation nears its 30th anniversary. The recognition spotlights her long-running role in scholarships, mentorship and workforce development for Caribbean tourism.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation is trying to build a stronger tourism workforce by funding education and professional development for Caribbean nationals. - Johnson’s recognition underscores how scholarship programs and mentorship are being used to support the region’s long-term competitiveness. - The award also highlights the growing importance of training in tourism, hospitality, language studies and related fields.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization presented Jacqueline Johnson with the Caribbean Tourism Organization Legacy Award. - The honor comes as the CTO Foundation approaches its 30th anniversary. - Johnson is chair of the CTO Foundation and a founding member of its board. - The Foundation was established 27 years ago by former CTO Secretary General Dr. Gene Holder.

The details: - The CTO Foundation says it has awarded major scholarships to 128 students and study grants to 186 more. - The organization has raised more than US$1 million to support those educational opportunities. - Johnson has helped advance the Foundation’s mission to provide scholarships and professional development opportunities for Caribbean nationals. - The Foundation supports students pursuing careers in tourism, hospitality, language studies and related fields. - Johnson said the Foundation is grateful for the chance to invest in young Caribbean nationals whose work will shape the future of the industry. - Johnson said tourism is powered by people and that 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. - Her work at Global Bridal Group centers on the romance travel sector. - 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 was 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 also served as an educator and mentor through international marketing forums, bridal symposiums and seminars around the world. - Those events have brought together destinations, travel advisors, media and other industry stakeholders to support the romance travel market. - Johnson’s awards also include 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, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Africa Travel Association.

Between the lines: - The award signals that CTO views education as a core tourism strategy, not just a charitable add-on. - Johnson’s background in destination marketing and romance travel suggests CTO is valuing both industry leadership and practical workforce-building. - The Foundation’s scholarship totals and fundraising show a sustained, measurable effort rather than a one-time tribute.

What's next: - The CTO Foundation says it will keep investing in education, mentorship and opportunity as it moves toward its 30th year. - Continued scholarship support is likely to remain central to the Foundation’s mission. - The organization’s next phase will likely focus on expanding the pipeline of trained tourism professionals across the Caribbean.

The bottom line: - The Legacy Award turns Johnson’s career into a signal of CTO’s broader bet: tourism in the Caribbean depends on educating the next generation now.