The participating students are from the Basseterre High School, Cayon High, Charles E. Mills Secondary, Saddlers Secondary, Verchilds High and the Washington Archibald High School.

The Tourism Youth Congress is aimed at giving youth a voice on the same issues that the heads of 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 students will participate, debate and share about various topics related to tourism.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Carlene Henry-Morton, said it was important that young people are given opportunities to discuss their ideas on tourism development in St. Kitts.

“I am truly looking forward to these discussions as we seek new and innovative ways to grow the industry in a sustainable manner,” Mrs Morton said. “The Youth of today are indeed our future, and it is important that they start thinking in a critical manner on the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities for growth.”

Mrs. Morton said that as the students prepare to debate for the title of Junior Tourism Minister 2016, they should seriously contemplate what they can do to differentiate our tourism product to keep it fresh, competitive and sustainable. The Acting Permanent Secretary said she will be listening keenly for ideas that realistically can be implemented by the Ministry of Tourism in the short to medium term.

“The tourism industry is everyone’s business, and our Youth have a pivotal role to play in its progress. Of course yes! I will be listening and taking note of our students’ ideas on how to make tourism in St. Kitts better,” Mrs Morton said.

The winner of Thursday’s discussions will represent St. Kitts at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO)Tourism Youth Congress, which will take place in September at the CTO’s State of the Industry Conference in Barbados.

The Ministry of Tourism would like to thank the following sponsors for their contributions to the St. Kitts Tourism Youth Congress:

Christophe Harbour
Kittitian Hill
Leeward Island Charters
Ashburry’s
Caribelle Batik
Sky Safaris
Lemon Grass Restaurant
Serendipity Restaurant
Social Security
Reggae Beach bar and Grill
Bank of Nova Scotia
Sugar Bay Club
Ocean’s Edge Resort
Timothy Beach Resort
Marriott Resort
Silver Reef
Marshall’s Restaurant
St. Kitts Scenic Railway
Ballahoo Restaurant