St. Kitts to Host CTO’s 10th Annual Tourism Youth Congress

In keeping with the spirit and vision of CARICOM, to foster regional integration, trade and a ‘Caribbean minded’ approach to solving problems, the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), will be hosting the 10th Annual Tourism Youth Congress. This dynamic youth forum is scheduled to take place on October 10th 2012, at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). The two Tourism topics that were chosen this year are: ‘Sports Tourism’ and ‘Using Social Media for Tourism.’

A number of youth participants from throughout the Caribbean are expected to partake, with representation from the islands of Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, BVI, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Saint Martin, St. Maarten USVI and the host Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Notably, there will be a representative from St. Kitts namely Mr. Allaric Pennyfeather of the Basseterre High School, and from Nevis in the person of Ms. Somiche Guishard of the Gingerland High School.

The Tourism Youth Congress is a facet of CTO’s state of industry conference and is aimed at giving youths a voice on the same issues that the heads of their Tourism Authorities address. In this way they are able to discuss issues of regional importance from a youth point of view, and are encouraged to be a part of the sustainability of their islands. The Youth Congress will engage students between the ages of 14 and 17 and is structured to mirror a CTO Board of Directors’ Meeting. It will feature a formal agenda which addresses time appropriate tourism issues with which the region currently struggles.

Participants are free to develop topics in whatever way they think most appropriate, with the assistance of their island’s Tourism Authority. Following the presentation of prepared topics, a mystery question will also be tabled for discussion and each student is expected to present a response. Although the event is not staged like a competition, a panel of judges will listen to all presentations and identify one winner and runners up at the end of the Meeting. Those students who are successful in securing the top positions will be awarded attractive prizes and each participant will receive tokens of participation.

The Congress is a closed event and is designed to attract some of brightest young minds from CTO member territories. Notably, in order widen this year’s scope for youth involvement St. Kitts has opted to invite representatives from all high schools and sixth forms in the Federation. Their participation will be in the form of special activities, tailored to suit their age groups at strategic intervals during the day. They too will have the opportunity to win attractive prizes, having given their views on critical topics of interest.

As the congress quickly approaches we invite the general public to look out for more publications about the event as well as information about the winners after its conclusion.