CTO taps Beverley Wilson to lead tourism research

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has named Beverley Wilson deputy director of research, adding senior technical firepower to its data and intelligence work under the Reimagine Plan 2025–2027. The move is meant to improve tourism statistics, forecasting and evidence-based planning across member countries.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization is trying to sharpen the region’s tourism intelligence at a time when member countries need faster, more reliable data to guide policy and planning. - The appointment supports CTO’s tourism intelligence pillar under the Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, which is designed to improve data systems, market intelligence and technical advisory capacity. - Stronger research capability can affect how Caribbean destinations track demand, forecast trends and respond to a more complex tourism market.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization appointed Guyanese national Beverley Wilson as deputy director of research. - Wilson assumed the role Sept. 1. - The appointment was announced Sept. 16, 2026, from Bridgetown, Barbados. - Wilson will provide technical leadership in tourism statistics, data quality, forecasting and statistical analysis.

The details: - CTO’s tourism intelligence pillar is one of five strategic pillars in the Reimagine Plan 2025–2027. - The other four pillars are advocacy, market competitiveness, sustainable and regenerative tourism, and people development. - CTO says the tourism intelligence pillar is meant to strengthen the organization as a center for tourism excellence and intelligence for Caribbean stakeholders. - The plan calls for better data systems, more market intelligence, stronger technical advisory support and more timely, transparent exchange of tourism information. - Wilson brings more than 20 years of experience in economic and statistical analysis, policy evaluation, banking and finance, and education. - Her technical background includes econometric modeling, forecasting, statistical methodology and data governance. - Wilson has worked at the Bank of Guyana, Montserrat’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and The University of the West Indies. - Wilson also served as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme. - Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, a graduate diploma in development studies and a master’s degree in quantitative finance. - Wilson has completed multiple professional development and technical training programs. - Wilson has a stated interest in tourism development and data-driven decision-making. - CTO is headquartered in Barbados. - CTO describes itself as the Caribbean’s tourism development agency and says its membership includes countries and territories across Dutch-, English- and French-speaking Caribbean markets, plus private-sector allied members. - CTO provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning and execution, and research and information technology.

Between the lines: - CTO is signaling that research and data are becoming more central to its strategy, not just support functions. - Wilson’s background in statistics, finance and policy suggests CTO wants a research leader who can translate data into operational decisions for member governments and industry stakeholders. - Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO secretary-general and CEO, said reliable tourism intelligence is fundamental to better decisions and competitiveness in the Caribbean. - Regis-Prosper also said Wilson’s appointment strengthens CTO’s ability to provide members with the data, analysis and insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex tourism landscape.

What's next: - Wilson will help strengthen tourism statistical systems across member countries. - CTO expects the role to improve the availability and use of tourism intelligence for evidence-based planning and decision-making. - The research function should feed into the broader Reimagine Plan 2025–2027 as CTO pushes its member states toward more coordinated, data-driven tourism policy.

The bottom line: - CTO is putting more weight behind tourism research, and Wilson’s appointment is a clear move to turn data into a bigger competitive advantage for the Caribbean.