From left to right) Eisha Williams, Graduate Teacher at the Washington Archibald High School; Syneja Richards, St. Kitts Junior Minister of Tourism and Carlene Henry-Morton, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism

The Tourism Youth Congress comprises of Tourism Junior Ministers between 14 and 17 years old from CTO-member countries, who are invited to participate, debate and share about various topics related to tourism.

Richards is being accompanied by Eisha Williams, Graduate Teacher at the Washington Archibald High School.  Also at the CTO State of the Industry Conference are Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and Carlene Henry-Morton, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.

CEO Brown said she was looking forward to Syneja Richards representing St. Kitts.  “It is important that our youth see the Tourism Industry as a wealth of career opportunities and as St. Kitts continues to grow as a Premier Destination, every young person sees their future in tourism, directly or indirectly. I truly hope Syneja’s and all other students who entered the Youth Congress Competition, understand the significance of the Tourism Industry as a the pillar of our economy, significant contribution to livelihoods and pursue a career in the Tourism Industry.”

Acting Permanent Secretary, Carlene Henry-Morton, was exceptionally pleased to have Syneja representing St. Kitts.  “It is critical our youth, teachers and students, understand the Tourism Industry offers opportunities like no other, and it is critical our youth understand the importance of Tourism”.

The Tourism Youth Congress is a facet of CTO’s state of industry conference and is aimed at giving youths a voice on the same issues that the heads of their 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 theme for this year’s conference is, Caribbean Tourism: Growth Through Innovation. CTO’s State of the Industry Conference, is the pre-eminent tourism gathering in the region. It brings together tourism decision-makers, including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline executives, travel agents, students, the media and persons directly and indirectly involved in tourism. It is preceded by CTO business meetings, including meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.