Orion Academy has again topped the annual Tourism Youth Congress.
Ben Lehrer, brother of last year’s winner, Emma Lehrer, outperformed nine other competitors with a total of 197 points at the event which took place on Thursday morning at Alliance Francais.
He is automatically named Junior Tourism Minister, a largely ceremonial title, and will represent Dominica at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress, to be held in Barbados, from September 14 to 16, 2016.
The competition consisted of two rounds.
In the first, competitors were to present a three-minute speech, using previously prepared material, on either ‘Customer’s Perception of the Brand’, ‘Fostering Entrepreneurship’, or ‘Creating Flow Experiences’.
Lehrer, during his presentation on ‘Fostering Entrepreneurship,’ was the only student who delivered his speech within the allotted time frame. It was based on a make-believe Hike Dominica app.
“According to research from the Discover Dominica Authority, most tourists who come to Dominica, go hiking. Dominica is an eco-tourism destination and clearly, hiking is one of its major appeals,” he stated during his presentation. “This app is designed to facilitate and encourage hikers to come to the Nature Isle, for the best hiking experience.”
The app, he explained, would feature the Waitukubuli National Trail, as well as features such as the length of the trail, start and end points, difficulty level. GPS tracking would also be included. Profiles and contact information of certified tour guides would be featured in the app.
In regards to sustainability, Lehrer noted that tour guides and businesses would be allowed to advertise using the app.
“Hotels, guest houses, and restaurants located near the trails, as well as the tour guides, can have their businesses advertised on the app for a small fee,” he said. “This will not only benefit them but, it will provide revenue for the developers of the app.”
In round two, the competitors were given one of three questions, and were allowed one minute to prepare an answer, and another minute to present their answer.
“I am very excited to have won… it came as a shock to me,” Lehrer remarked after winning.
He thanked his teachers for their help and noted that the chance to represent his country motivated him to win.
To other young people, he urged, “Never stop trying. A lot of good ideas could go to waste from just nerves, or fear, or not entering.”
Lehrer was awarded US$100, and a mobile charger, courtesy of Campbell’s Business Systems & Services Ltd. Lehrer’s school received US$200.
Elleen Commodore of the Covent High School was named as first runner-up while Ellena Benjamin of the Wesley High School was second runner-up.
The Tourism Youth Congress forms part of activities for Tourism Awareness Month.
The following schools took part in the competition:
Castle Bruce Secondary School -Jahdel Alexander
Convent High School – Elleen Commodore
Dominica Community High School – Onan Birmingham
Dominica Grammar School – Reynola Valmond
Dominica SDA Secondary School – Sherniah Carbon
North East Comprehensive School – Mervin Stewart
Orion Academy – Loushema Lott-Coakley
Pierre Charles Secondary School – Nadine Baron
St. Mary’s Academy – Nathan Williams
Wesley High School -Ellena Benjamin
Great job! I think the prize could have been more attractive..Lehrer was awarded US$100, and a mobile charger, courtesy of Campbell’s Business Systems & Services Ltd. Lehrer’s school received US$200…DDA can do better than that!
Is he of Dominican parentage.?… well done
Is that important? He won in a fair competition and I suggest they appoint him Minister of tourism for real. I’m sure he can do no worse than Robbie Tonge.
Yes it does matter!!!
Go on Elleen with your bad self!!! whoop whoop
That one dislike tho
congratulations to you all