Published on October 6, 2025
Nevis has emerged as a shining example of youth leadership and innovation in Caribbean tourism through its distinguished representation at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress 2025. Two exceptional young Nevisians, Khayla Claxton and Keyana Warner, have been selected to represent the island at this prestigious event. Their participation underscores Nevis’s unwavering commitment to nurturing youthful talent and fostering forward-thinking ideas that will shape the future of tourism in the Caribbean region.

Nurturing Emerging Leaders in Tourism

At the heart of Nevis’s delegation is Khayla Claxton, a bright student from Gingerland Secondary School who currently serves as the island’s Youth Junior Minister of Tourism. Claxton’s role in the Congress is not merely symbolic; she is tasked with presenting innovative perspectives alongside her peers from fourteen other Caribbean territories. Her vision and fresh outlook aim to help redefine regional tourism strategies, ensuring they remain relevant, sustainable, and attractive to future generations of visitors.

Advertisement
The support system surrounding Claxton is robust, reflecting the island’s dedication to her success. A committed team from the Ministry of Tourism works closely with her, alongside her teacher-chaperone, providing guidance and encouragement. This collective effort demonstrates how community and institutional involvement play essential roles in preparing young leaders for high-profile regional engagements.
Joining Claxton is Keyana Warner, a distinguished figure recognized as the current Caribbean CTO Youth Tourism Minister. Warner’s participation has historic significance; she is the first Junior Minister of Tourism ever invited to address the opening ceremony of the CTO’s major conference, highlighting her exemplary leadership and the trust placed in her as a representative of Caribbean youth. Beyond delivering the opening remarks, Warner will also moderate the Youth Congress sessions, facilitating discussions and guiding her fellow delegates. Her previous victory in the CTO Youth Congress serves as a testament to her capabilities and further elevates the status of Nevis in the arena of regional tourism innovation.

Recognition and Support from Leadership

Advertisement

Nevis’s Premier and Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration, the Honourable Mark Brantley, has publicly affirmed his strong support for Claxton and Warner, emphasizing that their dedication and thorough preparation embody the island’s aspirations. His commendations underline the high expectations held for these young delegates and the pride felt by the Nevisian community in seeing their talent showcased on a prominent regional platform.
Premier Brantley highlighted the continuity of excellence in Nevis’s youth tourism leadership, recalling the successes of prior winners who have set a high standard for future participants. This lineage of achievement strengthens Nevis’s reputation as a nurturing ground for skilled youth ambassadors who are passionate about tourism development and its role in the island’s economic and social progress.

Embracing Innovation: The Future of Caribbean Tourism

Advertisement
Leading up to the Congress, delegates engaged in a series of immersive workshops designed specifically for youth aged 14 to 17. These sessions aimed to build critical competencies in workplace readiness, leadership, and professional communication—skills essential for thriving in the tourism sector.
The workshops also introduced delegates to cutting-edge technologies that are increasingly shaping the tourism landscape. Focus was given to Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, with delegates participating in exercises such as virtual job interviews, virtual reality-based training programs, and AI-powered augmented reality marketing campaigns. This incorporation of technology highlights the CTO’s commitment to preparing young tourism leaders for a future where digital innovation will redefine visitor engagement and service delivery.
The attention to technological advancement embodies the broader strategy of positioning Caribbean tourism as a forward-looking industry that harnesses digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and create immersive travel experiences. By equipping Claxton, Warner, and their peers with these skills, the region is investing in a new generation of leaders capable of steering tourism toward sustained growth and resilience.

A Regional Stage for Nevisian Excellence

The CTO Youth Congress 2025 serves as a vital platform for showcasing the talent and vision of the Caribbean’s up-and-coming tourism leaders. Nevis’s contribution through Claxton and Warner is particularly notable, with Warner’s historic role in the opening ceremony symbolizing the island’s growing influence within the regional tourism community.
Nevis’s presence at this event reflects its broader ambitions for sustainable tourism development, emphasizing youth empowerment as a cornerstone for achieving long-term success. The Congress offers an unparalleled opportunity for Nevis’s young leaders to connect with counterparts from across the Caribbean, exchanging ideas, forming networks, and collaboratively envisioning the evolution of the tourism sector.

Contextualizing Nevis’s Tourism Landscape

Known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and heritage sites, Nevis boasts a tourism sector deeply intertwined with the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Iconic attractions like Nevis Peak, botanical gardens, and historical landmarks form the backbone of the island’s tourism appeal.
Over recent years, Nevis has committed itself to enhancing tourism through sustainable practices and innovative offerings that celebrate its identity and preserve its environment. The participation of youth delegates in regional forums like the CTO Congress aligns seamlessly with these goals, representing the island’s strategy to remain competitive and relevant as global tourism trends evolve.
Moreover, Nevis’s focus on cultural heritage tourism ensures that visitors experience authentic narratives that reflect the island’s history and traditions. This approach complements the CTO Congress’s forward-thinking agenda by combining innovation with preservation, creating tourism experiences that are both modern and meaningful.

The Path Forward: A Vision for Caribbean Tourism

The young leaders from Nevis symbolize more than just their island; they embody the collective aspirations of Caribbean tourism to evolve through creativity, technology, and leadership. Claxton and Warner’s involvement in the CTO Youth Congress exemplifies how empowering youth can catalyze transformational change in an industry critical to the region’s economy and social fabric.
As the Caribbean tourism sector faces challenges such as climate change, market fluctuations, and shifting traveler preferences, the insights and skills gained by delegates at the Congress will be invaluable. The emphasis on technology integration and leadership development ensures that the next generation is ready to navigate these complexities with resilience and innovation.
In conclusion, Nevis’s active and prominent participation at the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress 2025 not only reflects the island’s deep-seated commitment to tourism development but also positions it as a leader in cultivating the future custodians of Caribbean tourism. Through the exemplary work of Khayla Claxton and Keyana Warner, Nevis is contributing significantly to shaping a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative tourism industry for generations to come.

Advertisement
Tags: caribbean tourism, Caribbean youth tourism, CTO Youth Congress 2025, digital technology in tourism, Nevis Island

I want to receive travel news and trade event update from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World’sPrivacy Notice.
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025

source