At the 2025 Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing and Sales for Courtleigh Hospitality Group and Chair of the Tourism Linkages Task Force, underscored her commitment to reshaping how Jamaica—and the wider Caribbean—delivers economic and experiential value through tourism.
With a strategic shift toward linking tourism with local industries, and a strong spotlight on Kingston’s growing allure, Madden-Greig is leading conversations that aim to redefine travel, business, and community impact in the region.
New Role, Bigger Vision: Driving Linkages in Caribbean Tourism
While she recently stepped down as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Madden-Greig has stepped into a powerful new regional role as Chair of the Tourism Linkages Task Force. This initiative focuses on strengthening the economic ecosystem by integrating tourism with manufacturing, agriculture, and the creative industries.
“Tourism is more than rooms and resorts,” she emphasized. “It’s an economic engine, and our mission is to make sure the tourism dollar reaches all layers of society, not just those directly in the sector.”
With ongoing global supply chain challenges, she highlights the urgency of building regional self-reliance, showcasing locally produced goods, and curating authentic experiences that reflect Caribbean culture, creativity, and cuisine.
Kingston on the Rise: Courtleigh Hospitality’s Urban Caribbean Vision
While Jamaica’s North Coast often dominates leisure travel, Kingston, as Madden-Greig puts it, is “an emerging gem”. The Courtleigh Hospitality Group, with flagship properties like The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites and the renowned Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, is championing the capital city’s appeal for both business and leisure travelers.
“Kingston is no longer just a gateway,” she said. “It’s a destination in its own right—steeped in culture, heritage, and dynamic city life.”
From visiting the Blue Mountains and sipping Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee at its source, to exploring Port Royal’s pirate history, Kingston offers a diverse and immersive experience. Guests coming for Reggae Month, Carnival, or major conferences can enjoy a multi-sensory mix of culture, events, and city relaxation—all under the Courtleigh umbrella.
The Courtleigh Experience: Personalized, Boutique, and Proudly Jamaican
With 127 boutique-style rooms, The Courtleigh Hotel offers an experience that is inviting and highly personalized. Repeat guests often find their rooms set up just as they like them—down to the position of the furniture or the arrangement of their books. “It’s about creating a home away from home,” Madden-Greig explained.
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Pegasus stands as the country’s premier protocol and convention hotel, having hosted every visiting head of state to Jamaica. The property, a two-time winner of the World MICE Awards, balances its diplomatic excellence with resort-style amenities:
- An Olympic-sized swimming pool
- A jogging track and wellness spa
- Ample conference and event space
“It’s a resort in the heart of the city,” she said. “Perfect for blending work and relaxation.”
Marketplace: A Gateway to New Opportunities
For Courtleigh Hospitality Group, Caribbean Travel Marketplace remains a key platform. “It opens up new markets and promotes multi-destination experiences,” she noted. “A traveler can arrive in Kingston and then head to the coast—it’s seamless. Marketplace helps us show the full scope of what’s possible.”
And with Kingston increasingly embraced for city breaks, cultural tourism, and international events, Courtleigh is helping reshape how the Caribbean capital is viewed on the global stage.
Final Word: A Unified Caribbean, Powered by Innovation
Whether it’s through her work with the Linkages Task Force or her leadership at Courtleigh Hospitality Group, Nicola Madden-Greig is pushing for a more integrated, inclusive, and innovative Caribbean tourism model. One that celebrates not only natural beauty and beach escapes, but also urban vitality, cultural authenticity, and community empowerment.
“Kingston is ready. Jamaica is ready. The Caribbean is ready,” she affirms. “And we’re proud to be leading that charge.”
