The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development successfully concluded its Tourism Ignite Programme, held from Monday, 16th to Wednesday, 25th March 2026, reaching hundreds of secondary school students and igniting a renewed interest in tourism development.
The dynamic initiative engaged 495 students from secondary schools across the country, delivering an immersive and interactive experience designed to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of Vincentians. Through a series of engaging presentations and discussions, students gained valuable insights into the critical role tourism plays in national development, as well as the diverse career opportunities available within the industry.
Participants were introduced to key areas, including hospitality, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and the economic impact of tourism. The programme also created a valuable platform for direct engagement with industry representatives, allowing students to ask questions, share perspectives, and gain first-hand exposure to avenues for national development.
The wide participation reflected strong national engagement, with students drawn from the following institutions:
Barrouallie Secondary School (42), Intermediate High School (25), Bequia Community High School (13), Bequia Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School (30), St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (12), Buccament Bay Secondary (34), Dr. J.P. Eustace Secondary School (27), Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia (14), Mountain View Academy (38), Petit Bordel Secondary (30), St. Martin’s Secondary School (31), St. Clair Dacon Secondary School (34), Bishop’s College Kingstown (31), Troumaca Ontario Secondary School (40), North Union Secondary School (36), Thomas Saunders Secondary School (21), St. Vincent Girls’ High School (36), and St. Vincent Grammar School (32).
The Tourism Ignite Programme achieved its core objectives of strengthening awareness of the tourism sector, encouraging youth participation, and promoting sustainable practices aligned with national development priorities. Importantly, it sparked genuine enthusiasm among students, many of whom expressed deepened interest in the fields of tourism, civil aviation, and sustainable development.
Building on this success, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development reaffirmed its commitment to investing in youth engagement and human capital development, recognising that a knowledgeable and inspired generation is essential to sustaining the growth and competitiveness of the tourism industry.
SOURCE: Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation,and Sustainable Development
