The Virgin Islands’ 2025 Junior Ambassador of Tourism, Ms Auri-Ana A. Elshabbaz, will represent the Territory at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Barbados on October 2, 2025. Photo: BVITBFC

Ms Auri-Ana A. Elshabbaz, the Virgin Islands’ 2025 Junior Ambassador of Tourism, feeds a kangaroo on Necker Island. Photo: BVITBFC

The Virgin Islands’ 2025 Junior Ambassador of Tourism, Ms Auri-Ana A. Elshabbaz at the Virgin Gorda sign. Photo: BVITBFC

Hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), the Youth Congress is a dynamic debating event where students from 16 member countries present their ideas and vision for the future of regional tourism. The competition is a highlight of the annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and provides a platform for the Caribbean’s youth leaders to showcase their creativity, passion, and knowledge.

Ms Elshabbaz earned her title during the “BVI Junior Ambassador of Tourism Competition” held on May 28, 2025, coordinated by the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

'Dedication & Enthusiasm'

According to the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC), since then, Ms Elshabbaz has been immersed in the local tourism industry, gaining firsthand insights through site visits, stakeholder engagements, and mentorship opportunities across multiple tourism sub-sectors.

“From engaging with industry professionals to experiencing the Virgin Islands’ tourism product up close, Ms Elshabbaz has demonstrated great dedication and enthusiasm,” said Mrs Vionie Pickering, Product Director at the BVITBFC, who will lead the VI delegation to Barbados.

“We are confident that she is well prepared to compete for the regional title of Junior Minister of Tourism and to represent the BVI with distinction,” Pickering added.

The VI delegation will also include Mr Calvin Smith, Product Officer (Transportation), Mrs Sophie M. Rubaine-Brooks, Training & Standards Officer, and her coaches from the Elmore Stoutt High School Luceena Weekes and Andre Massiah, ensuring that she has full support for the Youth Congress.

Cultivating the next generation of tourism leaders

The BVITBFC also expressed gratitude to its Tourism Industry Partners, who played a key role in preparing Ms Elshabbaz by offering immersive learning experiences. These partners include Nanny Cay, Necker Island, Marina Cay, BVI Charter Yacht Society, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Tipsy Shark Restaurant, Hendo’s Hideout, Foxy’s, and The Moorings. The BVITBFC also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, District 2 Representative, “whose commitment has strengthened youth-focused tourism initiatives”.

“By investing in our young people, we are cultivating the next generation of tourism leaders,” Mrs Pickering added. “Opportunities like this not only showcase their talents on a regional stage but also inspire them to pursue a career in tourism, one of the Territory’s most vital industries.”

Ms Elshabbaz now sets her sights on Barbados, where she will join her peers from across the Caribbean in sharing innovative ideas for the growth and sustainability of the region’s tourism sector.