Eight Students to Vie for Top Honors at 2025 Bank of Nevis Tourism Youth Congress

Paragraph 1: Fostering Future Tourism Leaders: The Nevis Tourism Youth Congress

The idyllic island of Nevis is set to host its annual Tourism Youth Congress on May 15th, 2025, at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC). This prestigious event, organized by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Bank of Nevis, aims to empower the next generation of tourism leaders by providing a platform for engaging in critical discussions about the future of the industry. Eight exceptional secondary school students have been selected to participate in this year’s competition, vying for the coveted title of Tourism Junior Minister. This esteemed position not only recognizes their knowledge and passion for tourism but also grants them the opportunity to represent Nevis at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress later in the year.

Paragraph 2: Nurturing Young Voices: The Importance of the Tourism Youth Congress

The Tourism Youth Congress is a crucial initiative under the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), designed to foster the development of young minds within the tourism sector. This program recognizes the vital role that youth play in shaping the future of the industry and empowers them to contribute their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. By providing a platform for open dialogue and critical thinking, the Youth Congress encourages students to delve into pertinent issues facing the tourism industry, develop their leadership skills, and ultimately influence the direction of tourism in the region. This year’s competition will challenge the eight participants to address four key topics that are paramount to the sustainable growth and development of Caribbean tourism.

Paragraph 3: Addressing Contemporary Challenges: The Four Pillars of the 2025 Youth Congress

The 2025 Nevis Tourism Youth Congress will focus on four critical themes that reflect the evolving landscape of the tourism industry. Firstly, the students will explore the "Three New S’s of Caribbean Tourism," reimagining the traditional "sun, sea, and sand" paradigm to encompass contemporary values such as safety, smart technology, and sustainability. Secondly, they will delve into the potential of "Leveraging Heritage Tourism for Development," examining how cultural preservation, historical storytelling, and community identity can drive economic growth and instill local pride. Thirdly, the participants will address "Connecting the Caribbean with Sustainable Transport," investigating opportunities for environmentally friendly and efficient travel options within the region. Lastly, they will explore "Digital Transformation in Tourism," highlighting the transformative power of innovation and technology in reshaping how tourism is promoted, experienced, and managed.

Paragraph 4: The Next Generation of Tourism Ambassadors: The Eight Contenders

Eight promising students have been selected to compete in the 2025 Nevis Tourism Youth Congress. These future tourism ambassadors, Aija Liburd, Mitchell Bowrin, Khaden Hunkins, Delonte’ Warner, Khayla Claxton, Ticar-J Maynard, Ethana Hill, and Lennon Chiverton, represent the bright future of the Nevisian tourism industry. Each student brings unique perspectives and a passion for showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of their island. They have diligently prepared for the competition, researching and formulating their presentations on the four designated topics. The winner will not only earn the prestigious title of Tourism Junior Minister but will also serve as a role model for their peers, inspiring other young people to engage in tourism-related pursuits.

Paragraph 5: Building on Past Success: The Legacy of Keyana Warner

The 2025 Nevis Tourism Youth Congress follows in the footsteps of last year’s successful event, which saw Keyana Warner emerge victorious. Ms. Warner’s exceptional performance and insightful contributions earned her the title of 2024 Caribbean Junior Minister, a testament to the high caliber of talent nurtured by the Nevisian youth tourism program. Her success serves as an inspiration to the current cohort of participants and underscores the importance of the Youth Congress in identifying and developing future tourism leaders. The 2025 competition seeks to build upon this legacy, continuing to empower young people to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Caribbean tourism sector.

Paragraph 6: Investing in the Future: The Significance of Youth Engagement in Tourism

The Nevis Tourism Youth Congress exemplifies the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bank of Nevis to investing in the future of the tourism industry. By providing young people with a platform to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop their leadership skills, the program ensures that the next generation is equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The competition not only promotes tourism awareness among young people but also encourages them to become active stakeholders in shaping the future of this vital sector. The eight participants in the 2025 Youth Congress represent the future of Nevisian tourism, and their contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of this vital industry.