The Virgin Islands team, consisting of Adrianne Thomas, Auri-Ana El Shabaz, and Naomi A. Onwufuju from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), has been named the champions of the 2026 CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase. Photo: Facebook

The Virgin Islands was selected as a finalist alongside St. Lucia and the Turks & Caicos Islands, where they presented their project: the Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub. Photo: VINO/ File

According to a Facebook post by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, the 2026 CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase model emphasises eco-tourism and educational experiences, promoting responsible growth while actively involving local communities and ensuring mutual benefits. Photo: VINO/File

Their winning presentation on the "Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub" proposed an innovative model for the future of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. 

The competition, held during Caribbean Week in New York on Thursday, June 4, 2026, challenged tertiary-level student innovators aged 18 to 30 from CTO member countries to pitch sustainable, practical business proposals that would deliver significant social, economic, and environmental impact for the region.

The Virgin Islands was selected as a finalist alongside St Lucia and the Turks & Caicos Islands, where they presented their project: the Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub.

Congratulations from the Premier

In a Facebook post, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the team.

He stated, “This bold, self-sustaining model connects marine restoration with land-based sustainability, where tourism revenue directly funds conservation efforts, and healthier ecosystems create an even stronger destination. Built on eco-tourism and educational experiences, the hub promotes responsible growth while actively involving local communities and ensuring shared benefits.”

According to a Facebook post by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, the 2026 CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase model emphasises eco-tourism and educational experiences, promoting responsible growth while actively involving local communities and ensuring mutual benefits.