Elmore Stoutt High School Student Named BVI’s 2024 Junior Ambassador of Tourism

Adrianne Thomas, a standout student from Elmore Stoutt High School, has been crowned the 2024 Junior Ambassador of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Her selection follows a remarkable performance in the annual speech competition organized by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC), held earlier this month at UP’s Cineplex in Road Town.

The competition featured eight talented students from secondary schools across the BVI. Thomas emerged victorious, continuing the impressive streak for Elmore Stoutt High School, whose student Naomi Onwufuju secured the title in 2023. This win underscores the school’s dominance in fostering tourism awareness and leadership among its students.

In her new role, Thomas will act as an advocate for the BVI’s tourism sector, promoting the islands’ unique attractions and cultural heritage. Her responsibilities will include participating in local and international events, enhancing the visibility and appeal of the BVI as a prime tourist destination.

The event saw intense competition, with Carey-Ann McKee from Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division and Soccorria Telesford from BVI Seventh Day Adventist School securing the second and third places, respectively. The contestants showcased their knowledge and passion for tourism through their presentations on various topics provided by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

As the Junior Ambassador of Tourism, Thomas will also serve as a Brand Ambassador for telecommunications provider CCT, which awarded her a cell phone and a year of free service. She will represent the BVI at the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress in the Cayman Islands, scheduled for September.

The Junior Ambassador of Tourism program aims to engage the youth in the promotion and preservation of the BVI’s tourism industry. It fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in the territory’s natural and cultural assets. According to Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism, the competition plays a vital role in raising awareness about the opportunities and challenges in the tourism industry among the public, particularly the youth.

Thomas’s win not only brings pride to her school but also sets a high benchmark for future participants in the program. Her achievement highlights the importance of youth involvement in promoting tourism and showcases the potential of young leaders in driving the industry forward.

The success of this year’s competition and the enthusiastic participation of students underscore the growing engagement of BVI’s youth in the tourism sector, promising a bright future for the industry.