Antigua and Barbuda's Junior Minister of Tourism in Final Stages of Preparation Ahead of the 2026 CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress

Antigua and Barbuda’s Junior Minister of Tourism, Miss Janica Adams, is making final preparations for her participation in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress, scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Regional Tourism Youth Congress forms part of the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, being held in Guyana from October 5–9 under the theme, “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive.” The Youth Congress will take place at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt and will bring together Junior Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism from across the Caribbean to discuss the issues, opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the region’s tourism industry.

As part of her ongoing preparations, Miss Adams participated in a series of interview sessions designed to broaden her understanding of the tourism sector and strengthen her ability to engage with the range of issues she may encounter during the regional competition.

The sessions were designed to expose Miss Adams to diverse perspectives such as environmental, social, cultural, economic and community tourism while also learning from professionals with expertise spanning environmental conservation, accessibility and inclusion, marine ecosystems, destination marketing, culture, heritage, hospitality and tourism development.

Among those who shared their knowledge and experience were Ms. Sherrel Charles, Science Communications Officer at the Environmental Awareness Group; Mr. Bernard Warner, President of the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons Living with Disabilities; Mr. Ruleo Camacho, Marine Ecologist Consultant at National Parks Antigua; Mrs. Charmaine Spencer, Chief Marketing Officer at the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority; Mr. Khan Cordice, Director of Culture; Ms. Desley Gardner, Deputy Heritage Manager at National Parks Antigua; and Mrs. Patrice Simon, Executive Director of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association.

Miss Adams also had the opportunity to engage with representatives from several local businesses and cultural enterprises, including Antilles Stillhouse, Antigua House of Chocolate, and Humble and Free Wadadli at Ras Freeman. These engagements allowed her to gain further insight into the important role that entrepreneurship, local products, culture, heritage and community-based experiences play in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offering

The preparation culminated in a mock session on October 1, which allowed Miss Adams to practise the competition format and apply the knowledge she had gained. Mr. Philip Lloyd, Education Officer, Ms. Sharon Herbert, Social Sector Planner; and Ms. Farrah Williams, Lecturer, served as judges and provided feedback to further strengthen her preparation.

The 2026 Youth Congress will challenge participants to deliver a three-minute presentation on one of four topics: multigenerational travel product development; social media and sustainable destination management; cultural industries and tourism innovation; and the new age of tourism professionals. Participants will also face a mystery question designed to test their ability to think critically and respond under pressure.

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment extends appreciation to all those who contributed to Miss Adams’ preparation and wishes her success as she represents Antigua and Barbuda on the regional stage.