Teens invited to compete for Junior Tourism Minister title

Entries are open for Barbadian teens to step into the spotlight, speak their minds and help to shape the future of the island’s most vital industry.

The annual Barbados Tourism Youth Congress is offering students ages 14 to 17 a national platform to amplify their ideas and the opportunity to achieve the prestigious title, Junior Minister of Tourism 2025.

“The Barbados Tourism Youth Congress has always been an effective platform for allowing the voices of our young people to be heard on relevant issues, which impact our island’s tourism sector,” said Chief Product Development Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Marsha Alleyne. “I therefore wish to extend an invitation for all eligible students to take part in this enriching experience, which fosters leadership and public speaking skills, while at the same time promoting a deeper understanding of Barbados’ tourism product.”

The current Junior Minister of Tourism, 17-year-old Hailee Harding of Graydon Sealy Secondary School, who represented Barbados at the regional finals held in The Cayman Islands, is still thrilled about the experience over the past year.

She has encouraged fellow teens to grasp the opportunity for travel, debate and discovery.

“Being part of the Barbados Tourism Youth Congress was honestly life changing. I got to meet other students from all over the region, share ideas, and represent Barbados on a big stage. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. If you’re thinking about signing up, go for it! You never know how far it might take you,” Harding encouraged.

As part of the Barbados Tourism Youth Congress programme, students explore Barbados with an immersive island tour and tourism-focused workshops led by the team at the BTMI, in addition to leadership development and public speaking sessions, video interviews and a quiz challenge.

This not only prepares students for competition but also equips them with the necessary skills to grow and excel personally. Participating in these activities will allow each student to accumulate competition points along the way, as a lead up to the finals.

Along with the title of Junior Minister of Tourism 2025, the winning student of the Barbados Tourism Youth Congress will receive a $3 000 scholarship to pursue further education in tourism related studies, plus other gifts and prizes. They will also represent Barbados at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation during their annual conference in October.

The finals of the Barbados Tourism Youth Congress will take place on July 2 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All Inclusive Resort.

(BTMI)