FORT LAUDERDALE, CMC—Sanovnik Destang, the newly elected president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), called on Friday to empower young people to shape the future of tourism.
In a message marking World Tourism Day, under the theme of “Tourism and Peace,” the St. Lucian hotelier stressed the importance of investing in youth through education, training opportunities, and active participation in the tourism and hospitality sector to harness their potential for driving social change and promoting peace.
“Young talent brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism as a force for good,” he said.
Destiny said that tourism is not just about leisure; it represents peace-building blocks, such as social justice, human rights, economic equity, and sustainable development. Tourism can also support democracy by fostering nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution.
He highlighted impactful initiatives launched by CHTA, such as the Young Leaders Forum (YLF), the St. Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Citizens for Peace and Prosperity Initiative, and the Six Bridges to Peace and Prosperity.
“Tourism has to be for the people of the Caribbean,” Destang said, noting that initiatives like the YLF cultivate future industry leaders and nurture future ambassadors for tourism.
He said that tourism generates a wide range of employment opportunities and fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. The tourism sector is a catalyst for economic growth, particularly through the development of creative business models that cater to emerging consumer demands.
“The expansion of entrepreneurship in areas like food and beverage, with innovations such as food trucks, private chefs, bartenders, mixology classes, and take-home mixology kits, has been remarkable.”
Destang underscored the pivotal role of CHTA’s Taste of the Caribbean program, pointing to the surge of new small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) launched by former industry employees, with a notable representation of women and young adults among these emerging entrepreneurs.
Aligning with the objectives of World Tourism Day, Destang advocated for responsible and sustainable tourism that fosters global understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage and diversity.
He said tourism promotes peace and understanding across nations and cultures, supporting reconciliation processes.
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