Carnival backs Caribbean tourism youth leaders at SOTIC 2026
Carnival Corporation supported the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana on Oct. 8, spotlighting young tourism talent from across the region. The company sponsored the event, funded the first-place prize and donated a laptop to the winner as part of its broader Caribbean engagement.
Why it matters: - Carnival Corporation is investing in the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders. - The Youth Congress gives students a platform to shape the industry they will eventually join. - The event ties youth development to the long-term health of regional tourism.
What happened: - Carnival Corporation served as lead sponsor of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana. - The congress took place Oct. 8 in Georgetown as part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference. - Amarni Webster, 15, of Anguilla won the 2026 Youth Congress. - Carnival Corporation provided the first-place prize for Webster. - Carnival Corporation and Acordis International Corporation donated a laptop to support Webster’s continued education. - Philcher Grant, Carnival’s director of public and community affairs, presented the laptop during the Youth Congress.
The details: - The congress brought together students from across the Caribbean to present views on regional tourism issues and ideas for the industry’s future. - Marie McKenzie, senior vice president of government and destination affairs for Carnival Corporation, served as chief judge. - Jill Stone, founder and CEO of Blue Group Media, and Jim Brody, vice president of destination partnerships at Tripscout, also judged the presentations. - McKenzie said serving as chief judge and hearing from the students was an important part of Carnival Corporation’s participation in SOTIC. - McKenzie said the students’ ideas made choosing a winner especially difficult. - The Youth Congress is a longstanding feature of SOTIC. - The program brings together students from CTO member countries to debate tourism issues, build public speaking skills and examine the Caribbean tourism industry’s challenges and opportunities.
Between the lines: - Carnival Corporation is using the Youth Congress to reinforce its footprint in the Caribbean beyond cruise operations. - The company’s support signals a bet on workforce development and future leadership in a region central to its business. - The emphasis on student voices reflects a broader industry need to cultivate local talent and succession in tourism.
What's next: - Carnival Corporation is likely to continue its engagement with the Caribbean Tourism Organization and regional tourism initiatives. - Webster’s win and the education donation give the company a visible example of support for youth development. - The Youth Congress will remain a venue for identifying emerging tourism voices from CTO member countries.
The bottom line: - Carnival Corporation is pairing tourism sponsorship with youth investment, positioning itself as a long-term partner in the Caribbean’s tourism pipeline. - More information: Carnival Corporation
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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