The 2025 edition of the Barbados Tourism Youth Congress has officially begun, with 12 secondary school students vying for the title of Junior Minister of Tourism.

Hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the competition was launched with an orientation session at the BTMI’s Warrens headquarters on June 18.

The winner will represent Barbados at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Regional Youth Congress in October and receive a $3,000 scholarship to pursue studies in tourism, along with other prizes.

Chief Product Development Officer at BTMI, Marsha Alleyne, said, “This is the highest level of participation that we’ve seen since 2021 and this outstanding representation augurs well for the future of tourism.”

The orientation included presentations on the “Three New S’s of Caribbean Tourism,” tourism awareness, and marketing, delivered by BTMI officials and industry experts.

Students will participate in island tours, workshops, and a panel interview ahead of the final leg of the competition on Wednesday, July 2, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort in St Philip.

The event will be chaired by Hailee Harding, the 2024 Junior Minister of Tourism.