VI Students Named Regional Tourism Finalists
Three H. Lavity Stoutt Community College students will represent the Virgin Islands as finalists in the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase. The team will pitch sustainable business proposals through the Caribbean Green and Blue Economy Tourism Hub. The regional competition is scheduled to take place on June 4, 2026.
The Virgin Islands has secured a spot among the finalists for the upcoming Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, highlighting the Territory's emerging talent in sustainable industry innovation. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) students Adrianne Thomas, Auri-Ana El Shabaz, and Naomi A.
The trio will showcase their ideas on a prominent regional stage scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026. The CTO Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase challenges tertiary-level student innovators between the ages of 18 and 30 from member countries across the region. Participants are required to pitch sustainable, practical business proposals designed to deliver deep social, economic, and environmental impact for the Caribbean.
The competition centers around the Caribbean Green and Blue Economy Tourism Hub, an initiative that promotes a self-sustaining model connecting marine restoration with land-based sustainability. Under this framework, tourism revenue directly supports environmental conservation efforts, fostering healthier ecosystems that in turn enhance the appeal of regional destinations.
According to the CTO, the Hub emphasizes eco-tourism and educational experiences, promoting responsible growth while actively engaging local communities to ensure shared benefits. For the Virgin Islands, the students' participation underscores the vital role of youth and education in shaping the future of the local tourism sector.
As the Territory continues to balance economic development with environmental stewardship, the showcase provides a timely platform for young leaders to propose innovative solutions tailored to Caribbean realities.
Primary source: VINO