NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Public high school students engaged employees of Airbnb with questions about the organization and how it works as the Ministry of Education, the Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association and the online marketplace continued its tourism education initiative.

Chloe Burke, Public Policy Associate, The Caribbean and Central America, along with Tiffany Black, Senior Marketing Manager, offered expert advice to students and teachers of Doris Johnson Senior High School, Thursday, March 5, 2020, on the topic ‘Empowering Youth through Travel and Tech.’

Raquel Turnquest, Acting Education Officer, Ministry of Education, described the session as a conversation starter that was designed to inform students enrolled in the Family and Consumer Science Education Unit [Hospitality and Tourism, Cosmetology, Food Preparation, Clothing Construction] of what is available in the market today.

“We want to learn about Airbnb, how it works, the experiences, how to get on it, the careers available. It is something that can apply to every student in this room.

“Airbnb basically levels the playing field in the tourism economy. It allows the average citizen to get into the tourist economy. It allows you to go on their platform and invite persons from around the world into your home, guest house or an apartment that your family may have and stay for a fee. This is something that can change the dynamics in your family,” said Ms. Turnquest.

“You are the internet generation. If you are able to take what you know and actually have a conversation with your parents, aunts, uncles; Grammy on the Family Island who has a house that is just sitting there that she can probably make $1,000 a week off of but she does not know that. You can tell her,” she added.

Ms. Burke gave an overview of the company highlighting possible opportunities for careers as software engineers who build websites, policy makers and insurance agents.

“You do not need to be especially talented, super smart, you just have to be focused, work really hard and all these possibilities are open for you,” she said.

The sessions continue at Anatol Rodgers Senior High School on Friday, March 6, 2020.