Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez has been unanimously elected chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, returning Antigua and Barbuda to the position for the first time in more than 15 years.

Fernandez was elected during the CTO Annual General Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, where he is attending the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference.

Anguilla Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor nominated Fernandez, with Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett seconding the nomination. He succeeds Barbados Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill.

The appointment also means Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James will chair the CTO Board of Directors.

Fernandez said his priorities will include climate resilience, sustainable tourism growth, improved regional travel connections, workforce development and greater opportunities for women and young tourism professionals.

“This is not simply an Antigua and Barbuda moment; it is a Caribbean responsibility,” Fernandez said.

He added: “This is our Caribbean. This is our industry. And its future must be one that we shape together.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Fernandez Elected CTO Chairman as Antigua and Barbuda Returns to Regional Tourism Leadership.