Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 61 CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper sits with the top three contestants (l-r), Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and Anthurium Lewis of Tobago, while other youth congress partici- pants look on. "The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region," said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield- Bovell , CTO's Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. "It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry." The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon , and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence. The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leader- ship skills The Congress was chaired by last year's winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands. Judges for the Congress were Aquila's Beth Hatt ; Colin James , CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma , Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Judges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Aquila's Beth Hatt; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, are all smiles in the Cayman Islands. CTO WELCOMES NICOLAS SCOTT TO RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) recently added Nicolas Scott as Technical Assistant to its Resource Mobilization and Development Department. Scott, a multilingual stu- dent from Barbados specializ- ing in International Tourism Management, will assist the CTO with tourism educa- tion, awareness, and skills development initiatives. As a passionate advocate for the tourism industry, Scott has garnered hands-on experience through his work with leading destination management companies. His role at the CTO will involve assisting with key initiatives to improve tourism educa- tion and increase global awareness of the Caribbean's offerings. "I'm excited to contribute to CTO's efforts to drive sustainable tourism development," Scott stated. "I hope to create meaningful change in the region through this important assignment." Dona Regis-Prosper , CTO's Secretary-General and CEO, wel- comed Scott to the team and emphasized the importance of the work he will be involved in: "We are delighted to have Nicolas on board. His tourism management experience and passion for educational initiatives will play a vital role in advancing our goals to promote tourism awareness and build the skills needed to sustain the industry's growth. I am confi- dent that his contributions will have a positive impact." Scott's assignment under- scores CTO's commit- ment to empowering the next generation of tourism profession- als and developing programs that stren- gthen the Carib- bean's position as a leader in the global tourism market. tion and increase global awareness of the Caribbean's offerings. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Judges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and dent that his contributions will have a positive impact." Scott's assignment under- Nicolas Scott