CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress Returns to Barbados at SOTIC 2025

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will host the highly anticipated Regional Tourism Youth Congress during this year’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC).

The Youth Congress, one of the CTO’s signature developmental initiatives, brings together students aged 14 to 17 from across the Caribbean, each appointed as a “Junior Minister/Commissioner of Tourism.” Participants will present research and innovative perspectives on the future of Caribbean tourism, fostering critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the sector.

Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, highlighted the program’s significance: “This initiative transcends a simple competition. It is a fundamental pathway to developing future tourism advocates and innovators who will define the trajectory of the Caribbean tourism sector.”

This year, delegates from 16 CTO member countries and territories will participate, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In addition to the competition, students will attend a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon, CEO of Winged Whale Media, a pioneering XR/AI studio focused on immersive media and virtual tourism innovation. They will also participate in “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad Workshop for Work, Life & Leadership”, facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image.

Last year, Keyana Warner of Nevis captured top honors at the 20th CTO Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress in the Cayman Islands. This year promises another dynamic showcase as young leaders demonstrate their passion for shaping the region’s most vital industry.

The Congress is sponsored by Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), Marketplace Excellence (MPE), and Winged Whale Media, reinforcing its role as a key platform for empowering Caribbean youth through mentorship, exposure, and active participation in the tourism sector.