The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of The Industry Conference (SOTIC 2014) held in St. Thomas US Virgin Islands from September 17-19, came to a close on Friday September 19, with the much anticipated Youth Congress. The theme for this year’s SOTIC was Realizing the Vision: Positioning Caribbean Tourism for Major Change and in true Caribbean style, the eleven Junior Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism delivered.
The youth delegates spoke on the topics of “Experiential Tourism” and “Accessible Tourism”, sharing their respective islands initiatives and product development concepts for each, in addition to the ways in which the regional can capitalize on and develop niche markets around the individual themes.
For the second consecutive year, Nevis and Saint Lucia have secured first place and second place respectively. The Junior Ministers both presented CTO delegates and judges with exciting thought provoking ideas on Experiential Tourism. Junior Minister for Saint Lucia, fifteen year old Rohan Alfred of the Saint Mary’s College identified the Tree-to-Bar initiative at Hotel Chocolat as one of the many experiences which await visitors to Saint Lucia. Below is an excerpt from his presentation:
“Imagine for a moment madam chair a farm based tour where luscious coco pods are harvested to produce delicious, mouthwatering decadent chocolate; a complete Tree to Bar Experience. The experience continues when honeymooners immerse themselves in a sea of chocolate at the luxurious Cocoa Juvenate Spa. Such is the experience which awaits visitors at Hotel Chocolat in the bosom of our world heritage site; the majestic Pitons. Is it any wonder that St. Lucia holds the title of Leading Honeymoon Destination”?
The Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries congratulates Mr. Alfred on a job well done and for representing Saint Lucia to the fullest. The Ministry also wishes to extend sincere thanks to Digicel Saint Lucia for facilitating Mr. Alfred’s travel to Saint Thomas for the Youth Congress.
