Carnival Corporation supports young tourism leaders at SOTIC 2026
Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, strengthened its support of Caribbean tourism and young people as the lead sponsor of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress.
Youth Congress Sponsorship
Carnival Corporation served as the lead sponsor of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress.
The event was held on October 8, 2026, during the CTO's State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana.
Youth Congress Winner
Amarni Webster (15), from Anguilla, was named the 2026 Youth Congress winner.
Carnival Corporation provided the first-place prize.
Supporting Future Tourism Leaders
Students from across the Caribbean presented ideas on tourism challenges and opportunities.
The congress helps develop:
Public speaking skills
Tourism knowledge
Leadership abilities
Judging Panel
Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President, Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation, served as Chief Judge.
She was joined by:
Jill Stone, Founder & CEO, Blue Group Media
Jim Brody, Vice President, Destination Partnerships, Tripscout
Educational Support
Carnival Corporation, together with Acordis International Corporation, donated a laptop to the winning student.
The presentation was made by Philcher Grant, Director of Public and Community Affairs, Carnival Corporation.
Carnival's Commitment to the Caribbean
The initiative reflects Carnival Corporation's ongoing support for:
Caribbean tourism development
Youth engagement
Future tourism workforce and leadership development
Collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
Key Takeaway
Carnival Corporation used its sponsorship of the Youth Congress to invest in the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders, recognizing the importance of youth voices in shaping the future of the region's tourism industry.
