Get ready for an inspiring event! The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress is making a grand return at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 in beautiful Barbados. This highly anticipated gathering, set for October 2, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort, is all about empowering young Caribbean minds. It’s where future leaders in tourism will emerge, ready to innovate and advocate for their region.
A Unique Opportunity for Young Visionaries
Imagine 16 countries and territories sending their brightest 14 to 17-year-olds to Barbados. These aren’t just students; they become “Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism.” Their mission? To research and present groundbreaking ideas that could transform Caribbean tourism. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a launchpad for future careers, a chance for young people to really make a difference.
Tourism is incredibly vital for many Caribbean nations. It’s a huge part of their economy, creating jobs and helping to keep their unique cultures alive. The CTO Youth Congress understands this, which is why it focuses on building crucial skills like critical thinking, effective communication, strong leadership, and creative problem-solving. It’s a mix of exciting competitions, insightful workshops, and valuable mentorship that goes far beyond typical classroom learning.
Beyond the Competition: A Transformative Experience
This initiative is designed to get young people actively involved, helping them grasp the importance of sustainable tourism and encouraging them to come up with fresh ideas for regional challenges. It’s truly a developmental program, inspiring them to be thoughtful leaders and innovators.
One of the highlights this year will be engaging master classes. For instance, Ed Limon from Winged Whale Media will be there, guiding delegates through cutting-edge technologies like immersive media and virtual tourism. Can you imagine the possibilities?
But it’s not all about technology. There are also workshops dedicated to career readiness and leadership. One such session, “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad,” will equip these young delegates with practical skills that are useful not just in tourism but in any career path they choose. It’s about setting them up for success, whatever their future holds.
Diverse Voices, United Vision
The 2025 Youth Congress brings together an incredible array of young leaders from across the Caribbean. We’re talking about delegates from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This diverse representation isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering a spirit of regional collaboration. It allows for a rich exchange of cultural perspectives and reinforces the idea that tourism isn’t just an economic driver but also a powerful force for unity across the islands.
Industry Champions Supporting Future Leaders
This significant event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of key industry players. Influential sponsors like Breeze Travel Solutions and Carnival Corporation are backing the Congress, showcasing the Caribbean tourism sector’s strong commitment to sustainable and innovative development.
As global tourism trends constantly evolve and new challenges emerge, investing in youth leadership becomes absolutely crucial. It’s how the region can ensure its continued appeal and stay competitive on the world stage for years to come. These young minds are the key to safeguarding the Caribbean’s vibrant future.
A Dynamic Forum for Education and Empowerment
At its heart, the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress is a lively forum that beautifully blends education, empowerment, and innovation. It’s preparing young Caribbean people not only to inherit the region’s rich tourism legacy but to actively redefine it for generations to come. They are the ones who will shape the next chapter.
Empowering the Next Generation of Caribbean Tourism Leaders
The Youth Congress, held in Barbados, is a flagship initiative of the CTO. It brings together students aged 14 to 17 from 16 different member countries and territories. Each participant steps into the shoes of a “Junior Minister/Commissioner of Tourism,” tasked with presenting their innovative ideas and research on the future direction of Caribbean tourism. It’s a powerful way to give them an authentic voice and influence.
Sharon Banfield-Bovell, the CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, shares her perspective on the program’s profound impact. She emphasizes that this event is far more than just a competition. It’s a vital platform dedicated to cultivating the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators—the very individuals who will drive the Caribbean’s tourism growth and transformation into the future.
Inspiring and Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Beyond delivering their compelling presentations, participants will engage in exclusive sessions designed to spark inspiration and develop essential skills crucial for tomorrow’s tourism leaders. It’s a holistic approach to nurturing talent.
One such session is the Tourism Youth Congress Master Class, led by Ed Limon, CEO of Winged Whale Media. This class will dive into fascinating topics like immersive media and cutting-edge virtual tourism technologies, giving students a glimpse into the future of travel experiences.
Another key offering is the Career Development Workshop, aptly named “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad.” This session, facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image, will cover a range of valuable topics including leadership skills, understanding work-life balance, and overall career readiness. These are fundamental tools for success in any field.
A Spectrum of Caribbean Talent
The 2025 Youth Congress will proudly showcase delegates from a wide variety of Caribbean territories. This includes representatives from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This vibrant mix ensures a rich cultural exchange and a diverse range of perspectives.
Robust Support from the Industry
The Congress receives enthusiastic backing from prominent industry leaders. This includes Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, Caribbean Media Exchange, Marketplace Excellence, and Winged Whale Media. Their support highlights the sector’s deep-rooted commitment to investing in the empowerment of young people—recognizing them as the bedrock of future growth.
Shaping a Sustainable Future for Caribbean Tourism
The Youth Congress is an integral part of the larger SOTIC 2025 conference, which runs from September 30 to October 3. It plays a crucial role in advancing the overarching goal of fostering sustainable, innovative, and competitive tourism throughout the Caribbean. The conference itself will explore vital subjects such as emerging market trends, strategies for expanding airlift, the growing field of wellness tourism, and crucial synergies within the cruise industry.
Why the CTO Youth Congress is So Important
- It genuinely empowers young Caribbean citizens by equipping them with essential knowledge and leadership skills specifically within the tourism sector.
- It creates a clear pathway for future career opportunities within a dynamic and continually expanding industry.
- Youth delegates gain invaluable connections with industry experts and mentors, offering them real-world insights and guidance.
- It actively cultivates innovative thinking, helping young people to creatively tackle both current tourism challenges and future opportunities.
- The program significantly enhances regional collaboration and promotes cultural exchange among the diverse nations of the Caribbean.
Last year’s Congress, held in the Cayman Islands, saw Keyana Warner from Nevis achieve top honors. Her success sets a high standard and builds great anticipation for this year’s dynamic group of young leaders, all poised and ready to shape the future of tourism.
Join Us in Shaping Tomorrow’s Tourism Leaders!
The CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress is more than just an event; it’s a beacon of hope and progress for the Caribbean. By investing in our youth, we are not just nurturing future leaders; we are actively building a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable tourism industry for the entire region. We invite all tourism industry stakeholders, educators, and policymakers to recognize the profound importance of this initiative. Your support, engagement, and belief in these incredible young minds are fundamental to the long-term vitality of Caribbean travel and hospitality. Let’s work together to empower the next generation, ensuring that the warm spirit and stunning beauty of the Caribbean continue to captivate the world for decades to come. Join us in this vital mission to secure a bright future for Caribbean tourism!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress?
The CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress is an annual event organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) that gathers students aged 14 to 17 from member countries and territories. These young delegates present innovative ideas and research on the future of Caribbean tourism, acting as “Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism.”
When and where will the 2025 Youth Congress take place?
The 2025 Youth Congress is scheduled for October 2, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados, as part of the broader State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025.
What is the main goal of the Youth Congress?
The primary goal is to empower young people by fostering critical thinking, communication, leadership, and creativity. It aims to cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders, innovators, and advocates who will contribute to the sustainable growth and transformation of Caribbean tourism.
Which countries and territories typically participate?
The 2025 Congress will include delegates from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What kind of activities are included in the program?
Participants engage in presenting their research, attending master classes led by experts (e.g., on immersive media and virtual tourism), and participating in workshops focused on career readiness, leadership, and personal development.
How does this event contribute to the Caribbean tourism industry?
It ensures the long-term vitality and competitiveness of Caribbean tourism by investing in young talent. It encourages sustainable practices, fosters regional collaboration, and generates fresh ideas to address evolving global tourism trends and challenges.
Who are some of the key supporters and sponsors?
The Congress is supported by influential partners such as Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, Caribbean Media Exchange, Marketplace Excellence, and Winged Whale Media.
What was a notable achievement from a previous Congress?
At last year’s Congress in the Cayman Islands, Keyana Warner from Nevis was awarded top honors, demonstrating the high caliber of talent and ideas that emerge from this program.
References
Winged Whale Media
Breeze Travel Solutions
Carnival Corporation
Caribbean Media Exchange
Marketplace Excellence
