GEORGETOWN, Guyana--Anguilla’s Amarni Webster has been named the winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 2026 Regional Tourism Youth Congress, emerging from a field of 18 young delegates to earn the title of Regional Junior Minister of Tourism.
Held as part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana on Thursday, the congress provided a platform for young Caribbean leaders to share their ideas for the future of the region’s tourism industry under the theme “Caribbean Tourism Through the Eyes of Tomorrow.”
Regional Tourism Youth Congress 2026 winner Amarni Webster of Anguilla is congratulated by CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper. Also pictured, from left, are Carnival Corporation’s Philcher Grant and Marie McKenzie, and Charles “Max” Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda’s minister of tourism and CTO chairman.
Webster, a student at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, impressed the judges with a presentation that highlighted the importance of developing young talent, strengthening skills and expanding access to meaningful employment opportunities in tourism. As Regional Junior Minister of Tourism, Webster will be mentored by a team representing lead sponsor Carnival Corporation.
Second place went to Raia Cargill of Sunland Baptist Academy in The Bahamas, who will serve as junior CTO secretary-general and be mentored by CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, gaining firsthand exposure to regional tourism leadership and the work of the organization.
Jahneil McKenzie of Daryll Jordan Secondary School in Barbados placed third, while Janica Adams of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies received special mention.
Regional Tourism Youth Congress 2026 winner Amarni Webster of Anguilla (center) with second-placed Raia Cargill of The Bahamas (right) and third-place winner Jahneil McKenzie of Barbados (left) at SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana
The congress was chaired by Jolé St. John of Tobago, the 2025 winner, and challenged participants to demonstrate their research, public speaking, critical thinking and ability to respond to issues affecting Caribbean tourism.
“Congratulations to Amarni and to every delegate who brought their ideas, preparation and passion to this year’s congress,” Regis-Prosper said. “These young people deserve opportunities to help shape the industry they will inherit. Investing in their development is an investment in the region’s future.”
Beyond the competition, the youth program created opportunities for delegates to connect with students, educators and youth organizations in the host destination.
Through the Regional Tourism Youth Congress, CTO continues to strengthen youth participation in tourism, develop emerging leaders and ensure that young Caribbean voices contribute to the sector’s future.
SOTIC is supported by official conference partners Amadeus and the Inter-American Development Bank, Tourism Intelligence Awards sponsor ASM Global Route Development, contributing sponsors the Association of Value Airlines, Digicel Business and Atlantic Suites Hotel, Youth Congress sponsor Carnival Corporation, and official airline partner interCaribbean Airways.
