Tracy Berkeley Receives 2024 CMEx Leadership Award

BTA CEO Joins Caribbean Tourism, Media & Sports Luminaries

Tracy Berkeley, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), has been honoured as a recipient of the 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards.

The awards, presented last week, celebrated sixteen distinguished individuals from tourism, media, and sport across the Caribbean community for their exceptional contributions to the region’s development and recovery.

Other notable awardees for the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards included:

• Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic Gold Medallist, won gold in the triple jump to claim the first-ever Olympic medal for Dominica. Her husband, Coach Aaron Gadson, has provided coaching support to Bermuda’s own Olympian, JahNai Perinchief.
• Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, who led The Bahamas to record-breaking visitor arrivals in 2023. As the seventh Director General and third woman to hold this role, she oversees a global team of 400 employees dedicated to the growth of The Bahamas’ 16 unique island destinations.
• Dr. Lisa Indar, Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). She is a renowned public health leader with over 20 years of experience in regional and international public health surveillance & response.
• Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures Group, who has expanded the company’s offerings to over 85 nature adventure experiences across multiple Caribbean countries.
• Ambassador Victor Fernandes, Veteran Caribbean Broadcaster and Barbados Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States
• Laura Dowrich-Phillips, Caribbean journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
• Gloria and Solomon Herbert, Co-founders of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine
• Vanessa Ledesma – CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)  
• Christine Valls – Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, United Airlines  

For the full list of awardees, go to: CMEx Leadership 2024 Programme

Bevan Springer, President of Caribbean Media Exchange, Inc., shared his reflections on this year’s honourees, stating: “It was an honour to recognise remarkable individuals and organisations whose dedication to the Caribbean tourism industry is helping to shape a brighter, more resilient future for our region. Their work demonstrates a shared dedication to a thriving future for Caribbean tourism, and we’re grateful to have such passionate supporters in the industry, media, and Diaspora communities.”

Springer continued, “At CMEx, we believe in the transformative power of tourism – not only to build economies but to uplift communities and cultivate the next generation of leaders.”

Berkeley was recognised for her impactful leadership at the Bermuda Tourism Authority, where she has implemented a strategic post pandemic recovery plan, championed sustainable tourism and innovative marketing strategies that enhance Bermuda’s global presence.

The CMEx Leadership Awards serve as a platform to celebrate excellence in tourism and to inspire future growth and collaboration within the Caribbean region.

About Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx):
Caribbean Media Exchange, Inc. is dedicated to fostering the development of the Caribbean through responsible tourism and media. CMEx provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration to promote sustainable practices, innovation, and community engagement in the region’s tourism sector.

About Tracy Berkeley

Tracy Berkeley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) in March 2023, becoming the first female leader of the organisation. Prior to this, she served as interim CEO for nine months, during which she implemented a strategic plan to help Bermuda rebound post-COVID and re-establish its competitive edge as a premier destination. With over four years at the BTA and experience across various industries, including insurance, reinsurance, and health care, Berkeley has been instrumental in leading the organisation through recovery and initiating its transformation into a forward-thinking, future-ready entity. Her leadership has not only focused on growth but also on nurturing the best Bermudian talent and fostering a high-performance culture. A results-driven executive, Berkeley is known for her ability to lead complex organisations and deliver sustainable success. She excels at building strong teams, overseeing financial and business planning, and leveraging her diverse professional background to enhance Bermuda’s appeal in the global market. In addition to her professional role, she serves on multiple public and private boards, as a part of her commitment to community service. She is also a proud mother of three children, Aarin, Adriene, and Brianna.

About the Bermuda Tourism Authority

The Bermuda Tourism Authority is an innovative and autonomous tourism organisation dedicated to promoting Bermuda as a leading global destination for leisure and business travel. Committed to enhancing the island’s unique cultural and historical heritage, the BTA actively fosters sustainable tourism development and memorable visitor experiences. The Bermuda National Tourism Plan serves as the guiding document for the organisation’s strategic activations.