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Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 25, 2017 (SKNIS):  Tecoya Warner of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School emerged victorious at this year’s Local Tourism Youth Congress, which was aimed at creating greater awareness among youth about the island’s tourism product, while presenting solutions about how it can be improved.

 

The now 2017 Junior Tourism Minister, who will go on to represent St. Kitts at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in October, 2017, in Grenada, was passionate about her topic, gave sound points and captured attention, just to name a few, according to the judges.  

 

In second place was Treasure Cannonier of the Cayon High School and in third, Sheski Christian of Saddlers Secondary.

 

Having young persons put forth their views on tourism topics and express themselves convincingly on matters of concerns to the country as a tourism destination is vital to the future development of tourism, says Minister of Tourism, Honourable Lindsay Grant.   

 

Minister Grant said that the competition is an excellent opportunity to gain research skills, increase knowledge as well as gain confidence in self-expression. He added that it is vital for young persons to be aware of the country’s tourism product and he believes that competitions such as the youth congress are equipping young persons to prepare to contribute to its future.   

 

“Tourism is our future and you the youth, you are our future,” said the minister, while addressing not only the participants, but their classmates.

 

The minister congratulated the teachers who prepared the students. They, he said, are ensuring that the youth recognise that they form an intrinsic part of this industry.  

 

“Kudos to you because without you the students would not have excelled,” he said.

 

Minister Grant said that in all endeavours, it is recognised that the youth are critical to a sustainable, vibrant, dynamic tourism industry.

 

“You are the catalyst for change and so we rely on you to bring about the transformation needed to energise our people and our countries into becoming leaders,” he said. “Share and discuss ideas of the future of tourism. We hope that you would take the mantle to lead the way to a more robust future.”

 

Topics discussed included 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development: Tourism Contribution to Building a Better Way; Signature Tourism Products: Strengthening the Image of Your Destination and Adventure Tourism: Cultural and Natural Discovery through physically active and exciting activities.  

 

This year’s Local Tourism Youth Congress was sponsored by the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank and Christophe Harbour.

The regional competition will be held during the State of Industries Conference in October 2017 in Grenada.

 

The Tourism Youth Congress is a part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Youth Awareness Programme, which is a regional activity involving students between the ages of 14 and 17. Students who participate in the congress benefit from the exposure to the three Es of tourism, which are excitement, education and entertainment. They gain greater awareness of tourism within their country and beyond and are able to participate in the tourism conference, experience the tourism product of another country, and gain new friends from across the region.