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by pltm
Elmore Stoutt High School's (ESHS) Keliann Freeman, is the new Junior Minister of Tourism, following the BVI Tourist Board's annual 2017 Speech Competition at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium, HLSCC, this evening, May 27.
Freeman was among three other participants---Keira St. Ross of Bregado Flax Educational Centre, who came in first runner-up; Za-Riana Grant of Cedar International School; and Shamir Smith of the Seventh Day Adventist School.
During the competition, the students spoke on three topics---Sustainable Tourism Development; Signature Tourism Products; and Adventure Tourism.
They were also judged on a mystery topic, and had two minutes to prepare. Freeman chose the topic, "As Junior Minister of Tourism, share with your fellow colleagues one social media strategy or activity your tourism department could undertake to promote your destination to the youth market."
In her response, Freeman said, "CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization) report study 2016, despite political security and economic challenges, tourist arrivals to the Caribbean increased, surpassing international growth...Remain optimistic that social media will help to maintain and build that increase in tourism. One social media strategy that can be used to promote the BVI as a tourist destination is by way of a challenge."
(PLTM) - She said that the BVI Tourist Board should issue a challenge to the young people of the BVI, to best depict tourism through a video.
'"This challenge will entice the youth for we see that around the world, challenges and games like the ice bucket challenge, and even the mannequin challenge, spread like wildfire through the simple phenomenon, that is social media. The use of social media will aid the BVI's Tourist Board in showcasing the BVI as an ideal tourist destination through pictures, comments and videos," Freeman put forward.
In the other rounds, Freeman sold the idea of electric jet ski as a new product to create buzz in the BVI. She said it will cater for both adventurous tourists and eco-friendly visitors.
There was also a creative video competition and the participant with the most likes on Facebook won $200. Freeman captured this prize and also won the most cheers coming from the audience for her video.
Freeman won a trip to Grenada, a laptop and a four-week paid internship at the BVI Tourist Board.
RAMS of ESHS performed during the event, which was hosted by Damion Grange.
Director of Tourism, Mrs. Sharon Flax-Brutus has stated that tourism education is essential and through the Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition, students are able to research, analyze, and state their position on issues that concern the BVI's tourism product and territory overall.
