The competition which took place at the Harbor Club Hotel saw ten (10) students competing for the coveted title of Saint Lucia’s Junior Minister of Tourism 2024/25. The students provided thought provoking and memorable presentations on four (4) tourism-related topics: The Blue Economy, Collaboration Across Cultures, Solo Travel and Adventure Tourism.
In his opening remarks, Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernerst Hilaire stated” Tourism education is one of the mandates of the Ministry of Tourism, geared towards stimulating greater awareness and interest regarding the benefits of tourism to the local economy. Therefore, one of the main objectives focuses on engaging students and encouraging research and critical thinking, which can be used to formulate what is perceived to be their vision for the growth of the tourism sector”.
The winning presentation emerged from 16-year-old Lara Ernest, who focused on Collaboration Across Cultures, highlighting some key areas in fostering diversity, inclusivity, and cultural sustainability within the sector by Enriching Visitor Experiences, Economic Benefits, and Cultural Sustainability and Social Social Cohesion, Inclusivity, and Cultural Exchange. In her delivery on the mystery round topic “As A Youth in Tourism, identify an Interesting Place or Activity That You Believe Would Provide a Rare and Exceptional Visitor Experience and One (1) Reason for Your Choice”, Ms. Ernest highlighted the community of Dennery as a must visit, noting the culinary and recreational offerings as well as the vibrant musical influence of the Dennery Segment.
The awarded prizes for the competition were:
1st Place: Winning Trophy and XEROX VersaLink Multifuntion Printer (towards the school)
- EC$2,500.00
- A non-transferable Full Scholarship for an Associate Degree (SALCC)
- Dell Vostro 15 inch 3520 Laptop
- Day Pass for a Family of Five
2nd Place: Trophy (towards the school)
- EC$1, 500.00 cash
- Samsung S20 + 7-day data plan
3rd Place: Trophy (towards the school)
- EC$1,000.00
- Flexi 3i Chromebook 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
In recognizing the participation of all students, the Ministry of Tourism awarded all remaining finalists Chromebook 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop. Additionally, in appreciation of the contribution of all liaison teachers, accommodation packages were provided.
The Junior Minister for Tourism will represent Saint Lucia at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Youth Congress from September 4-6, 2024 in the Cayman Islands.