SVG Junior Tourism Minister unveils bold Three-Point Plan for Caribbean cultural tourism 

By Val Matthias. Updated 8:57 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

North Union Secondary School student and Junior Minister of Tourism Braxton Lewis has represented St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Georgetown, Guyana, presenting three proposals aimed at strengthening cultural tourism and expanding opportunities for the country’s creative industries.

Lewis delivered his presentation on “Cultural Industries and Tourism Innovation” on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as 18 Junior Ministers of Tourism from Caribbean countries and territories gathered to discuss issues affecting the development and expansion of the regional tourism and hospitality industry.

His presentation outlined three strategies designed to connect SVG’s cultural identity and creative talent more directly with the visitor experience.

The first proposes transforming Vincy Mas into the Caribbean’s premier cultural tourism attraction through the M.A.S. Framework Make, Absorb, Share. The concept envisions a month-long immersive experience through which visitors could engage more deeply with the country’s carnival, culture and traditions.

The second proposal, the SVG Screen Tourism Initiative Set, Value, Grow, seeks to position the country as a boutique film destination. The initiative aims to attract international film productions while creating long-term career opportunities for young Vincentians in the film industry.

His third proposal, the Vincy Artists Cooperative Tourism Framework Access, Reward, Transform, focuses on ensuring that local artistes are fairly compensated and integrated into tourism experiences. The proposed approach includes booking platforms and artiste-in-residence programmes.

Together, the proposals seek to broaden the economic benefits of tourism by creating stronger links between visitors, cultural experiences, local performers and emerging creative professionals.

The Regional Tourism Youth Congress forms part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference, held in Guyana from October 5 to 9 under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.”

The congress brings together students aged 14 to 17 from across the region, with participants serving as junior ministers or commissioners of tourism. It provides a platform for them to present ideas, debate emerging tourism issues and demonstrate their understanding of the industry.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the initiative is intended to develop young leaders and give tourism professionals an opportunity to hear innovative ideas from the next generation.

Guyana is hosting the State of the Tourism Industry Conference for the first time. The wider programme has examined issues including tourism innovation, destination competitiveness, climate resilience, sustainable development and the use of technology in strengthening the Caribbean’s tourism industry.

For SVG, Lewis’s presentation places cultural industries and local creative talent at the centre of the conversation about how the country can diversify its tourism product and create opportunities for young people.

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]