Mary Shelford Reps St. Kitts at Tourism Youth Congress
BASSETERRE – Mary Ann Shelford, St. Kitts’ Junior Minister of Tourism, is proudly representing her nation at the 2025 Regional Tourism Youth Congress, a flagship event of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) held during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) at the Hilton Barbados Resort. On Thursday, October 2, Shelford joins 15 other young advocates from across the Caribbean to share innovative ideas and perspectives on the future of regional tourism.
The Youth Congress, a cornerstone of CTO’s developmental initiatives, brings together students aged 14 to 17 from 16 member countries and territories, each serving as a “Junior Minister/Commissioner of Tourism.” This year’s participants, including Shelford, are tasked with presenting research and creative solutions to shape the Caribbean’s tourism industry, a vital economic driver for the region. The event fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the sector, offering a platform for the next generation to influence its trajectory.
Shelford, a passionate and articulate representative, is expected to showcase the creativity and vibrancy of St. Kitts as she competes against peers from nations such as Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Her participation highlights St. Kitts’ commitment to nurturing young leaders who can elevate the island’s tourism profile on the regional stage. Last year, Nevis’ Keyana Warner claimed the top honor at the Congress, setting a high bar for St. Kitts and Nevis’ representatives.
Beyond the competition, Shelford will engage in enriching experiences, including a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon, Cofounder and CEO of Winged Whale Media, known for its groundbreaking work in immersive media and virtual tourism. She will also participate in the “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad Workshop for Work, Life & Leadership,” facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image. These sessions aim to equip young delegates with skills and insights to become future tourism innovators.
Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, emphasized the significance of the Youth Congress.
“This initiative transcends a simple competition,” Banfield-Bovell said. “It represents a fundamental pathway to developing future tourism advocates and innovators who will help define the trajectory of the Caribbean tourism sector.”
For St. Kitts, Shelford’s involvement underscores the island’s dedication to sustainable tourism and youth empowerment.