Jacqueline Johnson receives CTO Legacy Award

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has given Jacqueline Johnson its Legacy Award as the CTO Foundation nears its 30th anniversary. The honor highlights her decades of work on scholarships, mentorship and tourism education across the Caribbean.

Why it matters: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation has spent nearly 30 years building the region’s tourism talent pipeline through scholarships, study grants and professional development. - Johnson’s recognition underscores how education and mentorship are being used to strengthen long-term competitiveness in Caribbean tourism.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization presented Jacqueline Johnson with the Caribbean Tourism Organization Legacy Award in New York City on July 23, 2026. - Johnson is chair of the CTO Foundation and a founding member of the board. - The CTO 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 students. - The foundation says it has raised more than US$1.0 million to support those educational opportunities. - Johnson said the foundation is investing in talented young Caribbean nationals whose work will shape the future of the industry. - Johnson said tourism depends on people and that education strengthens the Caribbean’s competitiveness for generations. - Johnson serves as president and CEO of Global Bridal Group, a multimedia company focused on branding, media, e-commerce and destination marketing. - 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. - Johnson also served as 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 moderated international marketing forums, hosted bridal symposiums and led educational seminars around the world. - Johnson is a Certified Travel Counselor and takes part in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the Africa Travel Association. - Johnson has also received 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.

Between the lines: - The award links Johnson’s personal career with the CTO Foundation’s broader strategy: use education to develop the next generation of tourism leaders. - The foundation’s scholarship record suggests a long-running effort to turn industry philanthropy into measurable workforce development. - Johnson’s background in romance travel and destination marketing shows how private-sector expertise is being folded into regional tourism development.

What's next: - The CTO Foundation is approaching its 30th anniversary and is expected to continue funding scholarships, study grants and professional development. - Johnson’s role as chair keeps her at the center of the foundation’s education and mentoring efforts as the organization looks ahead.

The bottom line: - The Legacy Award recognizes Johnson’s influence on Caribbean tourism and the foundation’s push to treat education as a long-term industry investment.