A stepping stone to future careers

Young people must see tourism as a stepping stone to future careers as all professions and sectors were linked to the development of the industry in Tobago.

This was the advice from Travis Robinson, 22, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in the Bahamas, delivering the feature address at a Youth Tourism

symposium on Monday hosted by the Division of Tourism at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.

Telling students gathered at the symposium that young Tobagonians were the island’s future tourism developers, that “every single youth in Tobago has ample potential and the ability to succeed,” Robinson said he built his career through “a determination to walk across life challenges and the belief that I had a future worth fighting for.”

“I dare to dream of a Caribbean where more young people succeed, where more of the businesses in tourism and hospitality are owned by us. That’s why I encourage all young people to get on board because something big is going to happen in the department of tourism. Something that has not happened in nine years and for the first time in the history of our Caribbean, young people like us will finally have a chance to stand up, speak out and let our voices be heard. You must wake, up wise up and qualify yourself to take what rightfully belongs to you,” he said.

Robinson also said that a greater involvement of young in tourism can help refocus juvenile delinquents and lead them into a positive direction.

“We have the opportunity to put laws in place that would determine the life we currently enjoy and the one we will leave for our future generation. We can get Tobago youths, especially those on the street, off the street, by giving them a successful future in the tourism industry,” he said.

Robinson also encouraged young people to take full advantage off and support tourism initiatives presented by the tourism department.

“Ultimately, Tobago will not be judged by the beauty of the island but by the success of the nation’s people. Now is the appointed time, not only do each of you have a future worth fighting for, but you have a great future worth studying for in the tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, current Junior Minister of Tourism in Trinidad, Le-An Telesford, stressed on the need for young people to become innovative.

Telesford told the students that any idea they were passionate about could be turned into viable tourism product.

“I’ll encourage all young people to try something new and consider a career in tourism. The tourism industry is a free and dynamic one and there is always space for elevated youths such as you. Any idea expressed by anyone can be a positive change our tourism sector and world might need,” she said.