Tobago's Jolé St John Wins CTO Youth
Tobago’s Jolé St John was named the 2025 Regional Junior Minister of Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Youth Congress, held as part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). The Virgin Islands was represented by 2025 Junior Ambassador of Tourism Auri-Ana A. Elshabbaz; Jamaica’s Caleader Lewison placed second and Cayman’s Aylani Morris Seymour took third.
Tobago’s Jolé St John has been crowned the 2025 Regional Junior Minister of Tourism following a lively debate and presentation contest at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Youth Congress, held as part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). St John impressed judges and delegates with proposals on sustainable tourism, digital transformation and heritage experiences, earning the title that will run until the 2026 Congress.
The event brought together 15 students aged 14 to 17 from across the Caribbean, each serving in junior tourism leadership roles for their territories. The Virgin Islands was represented by 2025 Junior Ambassador of Tourism Auri-Ana A. Jamaica’s Caleader Lewison placed second and will serve as CTO’s Junior Secretary-General of Tourism, while Aylani Morris Seymour of the Cayman Islands finished third.
Isaiah Toney, Junior Minister of Tourism for St Vincent and the Grenadines, received an honorary mention for qualities that went beyond standard scoring. Participants delivered prepared presentations on major shifts reshaping Caribbean tourism, including a move away from the traditional three S’s of sea, sun and sand toward a new trio: smart technology, sustainable practices and social inclusion.
Delegates also faced surprise "mystery questions" designed to test quick thinking and creativity — from repositioning destinations to evolving tourism products to stay fresh and impactful. For BVI residents, the Congress highlights both regional trends and local opportunities. The emphasis on sustainability and digital innovation aligns with ongoing efforts in the territory to protect natural assets, enhance visitor experiences and diversify the tourism product.
Youth engagement in tourism leadership helps build a pipeline of knowledgeable advocates who can support community-based heritage initiatives, eco-tourism and technology-driven visitor services. The British Virgin Islands has seen local youth success at CTO events before: Naomi A.
Onwufuju, then a 16-year-old student at Elmore Stoutt High School, was crowned Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism at the CTO Youth Congress in Turks and Caicos on October 13, 2023. Continued participation by BVI delegates such as Ms Elshabbaz demonstrates the territory’s commitment to nurturing future tourism leaders.
Organisers say the Youth Congress is intended to inspire young people to lead sustainable, inclusive tourism development across the Caribbean. For the BVI, supporting these young ambassadors and integrating their ideas could strengthen the sector’s resilience and ensure local communities benefit as the industry evolves.
Primary source: VINO