CTO Foundation to host New York fundraiser for Caribbean tourism scholarships

By AI, Created 6:55 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation will hold its Rum & Rhythm fundraiser on June 4 at Lavan Chelsea in New York City to raise scholarship money for Caribbean students in tourism and hospitality. The event blends Caribbean food, music and mixology while backing workforce development in a sector vital to the region’s economy.

Why it matters: - The CTO Foundation is using a cultural event to fund education for Caribbean students entering tourism and hospitality. - The scholarships are aimed at building the next generation of leaders in a sector that powers many Caribbean economies. - Support for the event comes from the Caribbean diaspora and friends of the region who want to invest in youth opportunity.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation will host “Rum & Rhythm” on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Lavan Chelsea in New York City. - The fundraiser will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 541 W 25th St. - The event is designed to raise scholarship funds for Caribbean students pursuing studies and professional development in tourism and hospitality. - Ticket information and sponsorship opportunities are available at the foundation’s website. - Tickets are also available through the event page.

The details: - Guests will see Caribbean cuisine, cocktails and premium rums from chefs and mixologists representing islands across the region. - The program will feature legendary DJs playing classic favorites and current hits. - The event is expected to draw tourism industry leaders, media, diplomats, travel advisors, Caribbean nationals and supporters from across the Tri-State area. - CTO Foundation Chair Jacqueline Johnson said the fundraiser is both a celebration of Caribbean culture and an investment in the region’s future. - Johnson said tourism remains the lifeblood of many Caribbean economies and that the foundation is helping young people gain the education and skills to lead the industry.

Between the lines: - The foundation is tying fundraising to cultural pride, which can broaden support beyond traditional donor circles. - A New York event also gives the CTO Foundation access to a large Caribbean diaspora audience and travel-industry network. - The emphasis on scholarships and mentorship suggests a longer-term strategy to strengthen tourism talent pipelines, not just cover short-term costs.

What’s next: - The CTO Foundation will continue ticket sales and sponsorship outreach ahead of the June 4 event. - Proceeds from “Rum & Rhythm” will go toward scholarships for Caribbean students in tourism-related fields. - The foundation says it will keep supporting higher education and professional development for Caribbean nationals through scholarships and mentorship.