• About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Header Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

    Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    UWP candidate Marcella Johnson overlaid on Gros Islet Corinth back road scene where No Right Turn signs sparked commuter backlash

    Marcella Johnson demands recall of Gros Islet No Right Turn sign

    UWP PRO Lenard Montoute speaks in front of the opposition crest and Saint Lucia flag as UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    Electra Fernand, the Creators Alliance kingpin charged in St Lucia Ponzi scheme probe.

    Creators Alliance kingpin charged

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard with Royal St Lucia Police Force vehicle and officers present in Marchand.

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard leads to arrests

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • St Lucia Crime News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo captured in focus as she prepares on the track wearing headphones and training gear.

    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo: From dark struggles to Olympic glory

    “Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich as the St Lucian Olympic champion powers to win the women’s 100m in 10.76 seconds.

    Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
    • St Lucia athletics
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

    Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

    CTO champions sustainable transformation: headshot of Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for World Tourism Day 2025.

    CTO champions sustainable transformation on World Tourism Day

    Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth in a professional portrait wearing a black-and-white blazer against a light blue background.

    U.S. Virgin Islands official Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth

    Large white cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea near a rocky shoreline, illustrating concerns over Caribbean cruise ship revenue.

    Caribbean cruise ship revenue lags globally, World Bank warns

    Janelle Hopkin and Lady Betty Hopkin celebrate AAA Five Diamond Award with Spice Island Beach Resort team in Grenada

    AAA Five Diamond honor awarded to Spice Island Beach Resort for 9th year

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

    Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    UWP candidate Marcella Johnson overlaid on Gros Islet Corinth back road scene where No Right Turn signs sparked commuter backlash

    Marcella Johnson demands recall of Gros Islet No Right Turn sign

    UWP PRO Lenard Montoute speaks in front of the opposition crest and Saint Lucia flag as UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    Electra Fernand, the Creators Alliance kingpin charged in St Lucia Ponzi scheme probe.

    Creators Alliance kingpin charged

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard with Royal St Lucia Police Force vehicle and officers present in Marchand.

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard leads to arrests

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • St Lucia Crime News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo captured in focus as she prepares on the track wearing headphones and training gear.

    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo: From dark struggles to Olympic glory

    “Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich as the St Lucian Olympic champion powers to win the women’s 100m in 10.76 seconds.

    Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
    • St Lucia athletics
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

    Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

    CTO champions sustainable transformation: headshot of Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for World Tourism Day 2025.

    CTO champions sustainable transformation on World Tourism Day

    Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth in a professional portrait wearing a black-and-white blazer against a light blue background.

    U.S. Virgin Islands official Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth

    Large white cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea near a rocky shoreline, illustrating concerns over Caribbean cruise ship revenue.

    Caribbean cruise ship revenue lags globally, World Bank warns

    Janelle Hopkin and Lady Betty Hopkin celebrate AAA Five Diamond Award with Spice Island Beach Resort team in Grenada

    AAA Five Diamond honor awarded to Spice Island Beach Resort for 9th year

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Mobile Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV
Home Lifestyle Travel

CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress returns at SOTIC 2025 in Barbados

Unitedpac by Unitedpac
September 14, 2025
in Caribbean News, Travel
Reading Time: 3 mins read
74 2
A A
0
Sharon Banfield-Bovell of the CTO speaking on the importance of the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress at SOTIC 2025 in Barbados.
17
SHARES
168
VIEWS
Share Share Reddit

Students from 16 nations to compete at the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Barbados.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean’s next generation of tourism leaders will converge in Barbados this October for the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress, a showcase designed to amplify youth perspectives on one of the region’s most critical industries.

Youth leaders to present fresh perspectives at the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress at SOTIC 2025

The event, scheduled for Oct. 2 during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, will gather students aged 14 to 17 from 16 countries and territories across the Caribbean. Each participant will serve as a “Junior Minister or Commissioner of Tourism,” tasked with presenting ideas on the sector’s future direction.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which announced the program Monday, described the congress as more than a competition. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s director of resource mobilization and development, said it is a pipeline for grooming future policymakers and innovators. “This initiative transcends a simple competition,” she said. “It represents a fundamental pathway to developing future tourism advocates and innovators who will help define the trajectory of the Caribbean tourism sector.”

A platform beyond competition

The Youth Congress will unfold as a centerpiece of SOTIC 2025, with students not only competing but also joining master classes and workshops tailored to leadership development. The program includes a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon, cofounder and CEO of Winged Whale Media, known for his work in immersive media and virtual tourism, and a teen career workshop facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image.

By placing youth in front of regional delegates, the CTO aims to highlight how innovation and fresh thinking can reshape tourism at a time when the industry is navigating climate challenges, sustainability demands, and digital transformation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Building on regional tradition

The Youth Congress has become a fixture of the Caribbean tourism calendar since its launch in 2000. Last year in the Cayman Islands, Nevis’ Keyana Warner impressed judges and delegates to capture top honors at the 20th CTO Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Her victory illustrated how young voices are increasingly seen as credible contributors to regional policy discussions.

Barbados, hosting this year’s edition, follows a long line of destinations that have used the congress to promote youth engagement while positioning themselves as thought leaders in regional tourism.

Who’s competing in 2025

Sixteen countries and territories will be represented in this year’s competition: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Organizers said the event is supported by Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), Marketplace Excellence (MPE), and Winged Whale Media, all of which have backed the initiative as a vehicle for empowering youth and shaping future leadership pipelines.

Tourism’s youth imperative

Tourism remains the backbone of many Caribbean economies, accounting for more than 30 percent of GDP in some nations, according to World Bank data. With climate change, shifting travel trends, and the emergence of artificial intelligence reshaping global tourism, regional leaders have increasingly turned to young voices for new approaches.

Strengthening the region’s competitiveness also depends on addressing structural challenges such as airline access and connectivity, a subject the CTO has highlighted in recent forums on Caribbean air connectivity.

Industry analysts note that by positioning youth at the center of discussions, CTO is aligning education with real-world policy, creating a platform that prepares students for professional opportunities while also bolstering the region’s long-term growth.

As SOTIC 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Barbados, where the next generation of Caribbean leaders is expected to outline their vision for tourism’s future, a sector that continues to define the region’s prosperity.

Source: Caribbean Tourism Organization
Tags: Barbados tourism eventsCaribbean travel industryCaribbean youth tourismCTO Regional Tourism Youth CongressFuture of Caribbean tourismSOTIC 2025 BarbadosTourism leadership developmentYouth in tourism

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Unsubscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Failing state of governance in St Lucia under Pierre SLP

Next Post

CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards expand honoree lineup

Related Posts

Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

October 4, 2025
460
Volunteers gather at Yamacraw Beach for the Blue Lagoon Island coastal cleanup, marking 40 years of community action against marine debris.

Blue Lagoon Island coastal cleanup marks 40 years

September 30, 2025
172
CTO champions sustainable transformation: headshot of Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for World Tourism Day 2025.

CTO champions sustainable transformation on World Tourism Day

September 30, 2025
212
Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth in a professional portrait wearing a black-and-white blazer against a light blue background.

U.S. Virgin Islands official Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth

September 29, 2025
153
Large white cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea near a rocky shoreline, illustrating concerns over Caribbean cruise ship revenue.

Caribbean cruise ship revenue lags globally, World Bank warns

September 18, 2025
257
Janelle Hopkin and Lady Betty Hopkin celebrate AAA Five Diamond Award with Spice Island Beach Resort team in Grenada

AAA Five Diamond honor awarded to Spice Island Beach Resort for 9th year

September 16, 2025 - Updated on October 4, 2025
173
Next Post
Carole Alexis, Ronella Croes, and Clarisa Jiménez honored at CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards for Caribbean tourism excellence.

CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards expand honoree lineup

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Stay Connected

  • 22.4k Fans
  • 873 Followers
  • 13.5k Subscribers
  • 2.6k Followers
  • 41 Followers
  • 2.3k Followers
ADVERTISEMENT

Top Stories

Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

October 4, 2025
189
UWP candidate Marcella Johnson overlaid on Gros Islet Corinth back road scene where No Right Turn signs sparked commuter backlash

Marcella Johnson demands recall of Gros Islet No Right Turn sign

October 2, 2025
259
UWP PRO Lenard Montoute speaks in front of the opposition crest and Saint Lucia flag as UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

October 2, 2025
179
Electra Fernand, the Creators Alliance kingpin charged in St Lucia Ponzi scheme probe.

Creators Alliance kingpin charged

October 2, 2025
1.1k
Unitedpac St. Lucia News logo


Unitedpac St Lucia News — Your trusted source for St Lucia News Online. Get breaking news today on politics, crime, tourism, and community stories across St Lucia, the Caribbean, and worldwide.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
  • Business
  • Commentary
  • Entertainment
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
  • Politics
  • Press Releases
  • Tech
  • World

Recent News

Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

October 4, 2025
Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

October 4, 2025
Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

October 4, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Local News
    • Justice
    • Crime
    • Caribbean News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    • Education
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Saint Lucia Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Travel
    • Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.