Vincent Vanderpool Steps Down; CTO Names Interim CEO

The Caribbean Tourism Organization named Arley Sobers interim secretary general and CEO, replacing Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, who stepped down today to become minister of tourism and aviation for the Bahamas. Sobers was CTO’s director of research and information management.

CTO’s executive committee will immediately begin the search for a permanent secretary general, said CTO Chairman Allan Chastanet.

Vanderpool-Wallace had served as head of CTO since 2005. He also served as co-CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Development Co., which was created in 2007 as the business and marketing unit owned equally by CTO and the Caribbean Hotel Association.

Chastanet hailed Vanderpool-Wallace for contributions made during his tenure with both CTO and CTDC.

“Vincent is, quite simply, one of the strongest, most visionary leaders in the Caribbean,” Chastanet said. “He has been one of the most outspoken advocates for a unified Caribbean, as evidenced by his push for the creation of CTDC. He has been instrumental in advancing the Caribbean as a brand and increasing awareness of our region.”