They came from all over the Caribbean, high-level tourism thinkers gathered in Grand Cayman to discuss what’s next for the Caribbean’s most important industry.
But no, I’m not talking about the Tourism Ministers, directors and executives at the CTO’s State of the Industry conference, which was held on the island last week.
These were 12 young tourism advocates from all across the region, brought together for a singular event held during the heart of SOTIC: the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress.
For more than two decades, this special event has brought together secondary school students, “dubbed “Junior Tourism Ministers,” to talk about the future of tourism in the Caribbean, with new ideas and innovative solutions.
This year was no different, in an event presented by Tropical Shipping at the Westin Grand Cayman resort.
The Congress, held under the theme of “Through the Eyes of Tomorrow,” explored everything from solo trips to adventure tourism and the increasingly important blue economy.
The winner? Keyana Warner of Nevis, who was joined in the top three finishers by Anthurium Lewis from Tobago and Khari Gonsalves from St Kitts.
“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”
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