Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez has challenged young people to move beyond viewing tourism simply as a source of employment and instead consider how they can create businesses, solve problems and generate opportunities within the industry.

Fernandez delivered the message as a featured speaker at the SOTIC 2026 Future Leaders’ Forum, encouraging participants to claim their place in the Caribbean tourism sector.

“Don’t only ask, ‘Where can I get a job in tourism?’ Instead ask, ‘Where can I create value in tourism?’ Ask, ‘What problem can I solve?’” Fernandez said.

The minister, whose portfolio also includes civil aviation, transportation and investment, told participants that opportunities in tourism extend well beyond hotels.

He pointed to technology, agriculture, transportation, entertainment, conservation, food, culture and entrepreneurship as areas where young Caribbean people can build careers and businesses connected to the industry.

Fernandez also encouraged participants to embrace innovation while protecting the cultural identity and personal connections that help distinguish the Caribbean tourism product.

As part of the forum, Fernandez added his commitment to the Caribbean Tourism Legacy Wall, writing: “Being a catalyst for more local ownership in the Caribbean tourism industry.”

Students and other participants were then encouraged to consider what they could create, change, protect or solve through tourism.

“What will you contribute to the empowerment of our people through Caribbean tourism?” Fernandez asked. “Find your answer and then go and build it.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Fernandez Urges Young People to Create Opportunities in Caribbean Tourism.