CTO Leader Jean S. Holder Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) presented one of its most prestigious awards to the organization’s founder and architect, Jean Holder, at the 31st Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball at New York’s Waldorf/Astoria.

“CTO’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to Caribbean tourism and no one is more deserving of this award that Jean Holder, whose lifelong work has been a commitment to the upliftment of the people the Caribbean through his selfless dedication to the tourism industry,” said Obie Wilchcombe, the Bahamas tourism minister and chairman of CTO.

“Dr. Holder’s compassion, loyalty and enthusiasm for Caribbean tourism is beyond compare and it is with great honor that we pay tribute to our friend, colleague and leader at this year’s Governments of the Caribbean State Ball,” he added.

In 1974, Dr. Holder began his journey with the organization as the first Executive Director and then Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Research and Development Centre (CTRC).

Prior to that position, Dr. Holder was permanent secretary in the Barbados Public Service and served fourteen years in the Diplomatic Service.