KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES – Wednesday, 29th April 2026 – The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development invites the public to follow and support the 2026 National Tourism Youth Congress, which will be held on Thursday, 30th April 2026, from 9:30 a.m. at the NIS Conference Room. This important national initiative forms part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and continues to serve as a vital platform for youth engagement in tourism development across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Tourism Youth Congress is designed to simulate a high-level meeting of regional tourism leaders, providing students with a unique opportunity to assume the role of policymakers as they present innovative ideas and solutions to issues impacting the tourism sector. As a cornerstone of the Ministry’s Tourism Education Programme, the initiative aims to cultivate interest in tourism careers, promote sustainable tourism practices, and strengthen leadership, research, and public speaking skills among young Vincentians. The student who emerges as the national winner will be awarded the title of Junior Minister of Tourism and will go on to represent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Georgetown, Guyana.
As the tenure of Junior Minister of Tourism for Isaiah Toney of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Grammar School concludes, he expressed confidence in the continued growth of tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He also extended his wishes to the next Junior Minister of Tourism, who will carry the mantle forward. He stated, “I remain committed to contributing, in whatever capacity, to the progress of my country. May our country continue to shine!”
This year’s Congress will feature eight exceptional students representing secondary schools from across the country. Participating in the competition are MaKiesha Charles of the Buccament Bay Secondary School, Nailah Jordon of the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School, Aaron McDonald of the St. Vincent Grammar School, Angelique Edwards of the Bishop’s College Kingstown, Xia Glass of the Girls’ High School, Braxton Lewis of the North Union Secondary School, Chiara Farrell of the Charles Adams Anglican High School, and Acadiah Ashton of the Union Island Secondary School. These students will present on a range of contemporary topics, including Social Media and Sustainable Destination Management, Cultural Industries and Tourism Innovation, and The New Age of Tourism Professionals, offering fresh, forward-thinking perspectives on the future of the industry.
The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development encourages all Vincentians to follow the proceedings of the National Tourism Youth Congress and lend their support to these promising young ambassadors. Their participation reflects the innovation, creativity, and resilience that will continue to drive the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Public engagement in this initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to empowering its youth and investing in the future of tourism.
The event would be streamed live on the social media handles of the Agency for Public Information.