CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress Returns at SOTIC 2025 in Barbados: Empowering the Next Generation of Caribbean Travel Leaders

Written By: Anirban Bhattacharya

Anirban Bhattacharya

I am a Content Writer at Travel And Tour World, where I have been covering the global travel and tourism industry since June 2024. With five years of experience in digital journalism and SEO-focused content, I specialize in reporting on travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, railways, and international developments. My work is built on thorough research, fact-checking, and clear, reader-focused reporting that transforms complex industry updates into accurate and accessible news. I am committed to producing credible, informative, and timely content that helps travelers and industry professionals stay informed about the latest trends, destinations, policies, and developments shaping the global travel landscape.

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September 9, 2025 6:08 PM

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress is set to return with renewed energy and purpose as part of the highly anticipated State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, hosted in the vibrant island of Barbados. This influential event, scheduled for October 2, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort, serves as a critical platform to empower the Caribbean’s youth — nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders, innovators, and advocates. Bringing together students aged 14 to 17 from 16 member countries and territories, the Youth Congress transforms young delegates into “Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism” who present innovative research and visionary ideas aimed at shaping the future landscape of Caribbean tourism.

Tourism remains the economic cornerstone for many Caribbean nations, contributing substantially to GDP, employment, and cultural preservation. Recognizing the strategic importance of cultivating young talent, the CTO Youth Congress fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, leadership, and creativity through a blend of competition, workshops, and mentorship. Beyond a traditional contest, it is a transformative developmental initiative designed to inspire active youth participation, broaden their understanding of sustainable tourism practices, and encourage forward-thinking solutions to regional challenges.

This year’s program features engaging master classes led by international experts like Ed Limon from Winged Whale Media, introducing delegates to cutting-edge technologies such as immersive media and virtual tourism innovation. Complementary workshops focused on career readiness and leadership, including “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad,” equip youth with valuable tools for success both within and beyond the tourism sector.

The 2025 Youth Congress will unite young leaders representing diverse Caribbean territories, 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. This inclusivity helps foster regional collaboration and cultural exchange, reinforcing tourism’s role as a unifier and economic driver.

Supported by influential sponsors such as Breeze Travel Solutions and Carnival Corporation, the Congress embodies the Caribbean tourism sector’s commitment to sustainable, innovative development. As the Caribbean faces evolving global tourism trends and challenges, investing in youth leadership is fundamental to ensuring the region’s continued appeal and competitiveness on the world stage.

In essence, the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress is a vital and dynamic forum that blends education, empowerment, and innovation, preparing Caribbean youth to not only inherit the tourism legacy but to redefine it for the decades ahead.

Nurturing Future Tourism Innovators Across the Caribbean

The Youth Congress in Barbados is a signature initiative of CTO that gathers students between the ages of 14 and 17 from 16 member countries and territories. Each young delegate assumes the role of a “Junior Minister/Commissioner of Tourism,” presenting forward-thinking ideas and research focused on shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, highlights the program’s significance:
“This event transcends a competition; it is a vital platform that cultivates future tourism advocates and innovators who will drive the Caribbean’s tourism growth and transformation.”

Engaging Youth in Tourism Education and Leadership

Alongside presenting their projects, participants will engage in exclusive sessions designed to inspire and develop key skills important for tomorrow’s tourism leaders:

• Tourism Youth Congress Master Class: Led by Ed Limon, CEO of Winged Whale Media, focusing on immersive media and cutting-edge virtual tourism technologies.
• Career Development Workshop: “Level Up: A Teen Career Launchpad” led by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image, covering leadership, work-life balance, and career readiness.

A Diverse Representation of Caribbean Talent

The 2025 Youth Congress will feature delegates from 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.

Strong Industry Support and Sponsorship

The Congress is proudly supported by industry leaders including Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, Caribbean Media Exchange, Marketplace Excellence, and Winged Whale Media — underscoring the sector’s investment in empowering youth.

Building a Sustainable Future for Caribbean Tourism

Embedded within the broader SOTIC 2025 conference, running from September 30 to October 3, the Youth Congress contributes toward the goal of cultivating sustainable, innovative, and competitive tourism in the Caribbean. The conference covers vital topics such as market trends, airlift expansion, wellness tourism, and cruise industry synergies.

Why the CTO Youth Congress Matters

• Empowers young Caribbean citizens with knowledge and leadership skills in tourism.
• Forges a pathway for future career opportunities in a vibrant, growing industry.
• Connects youth delegates with industry experts and mentors for real-world insights.
• Cultivates innovative thinking to address tourism challenges and opportunities.
• Enhances regional collaboration and cultural exchange among diverse Caribbean nations.

Last year’s Congress in the Cayman Islands saw Nevis’s Keyana Warner achieve top honors, setting high expectations for this year’s dynamic cohort of young leaders ready to shape tourism’s future.

For tourism industry stakeholders, educators, and policymakers, the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress represents a critical investment in the long-term vitality of Caribbean travel and hospitality.