Travel to the Caribbean; check. Speaking engagements across the Island; check. Hanging out with the Premier; check. The experience of being Bermuda's Youth Tourism Minister; priceless.

Fourteen-year-old Blake Sonnenfield was the Island's first Youth Tourism Minister (YTM) and this month he will pass the mantle on to another lucky teenager.

Casting calls for the new YTM begin this weekend.

"It's been an amazing year," Blake said. "I've learned so much about tourism. I didn't realise how much time goes into the ensuring that our product is properly marketed, to ensure the message gets to the right people."

Blake won last year's competition and has spent the last 12 months learning about the industry and representing the country.

On top of speaking engagements at tourism events and shadowing the Premier, Blake also travelled to Barbados to attend the annual Tourism Youth Congress, held as part of the Caribbean Tourism Conference.

While there he competed against and beat 16 YTMs from across the Caribbean.

Despite being the youngest YTM at the event Blake walked away with first place and the title Chairman of the CTO Youth Congress.

He said: "I really enjoyed it, because not only was it sharing our views, but it was also showcasing our countries and saying 'this is my country, come and see my country'." As well as winning the title, Blake also won prizes including a laptop for himself and $1,000 for his school.

But it wasn't all prizes and glory. Blake said he spent a lot of time researching the tourism industry and learning about what the Island offers.

He spoke with leaders in the industry such as, former Director of Tourism Cheri Whitter, entertainer Shyne Hayward and top chefs. He also had a two week internship with the Department of Tourism.

"I really think people should come out this weekend and try out," he said. "You don't have to have a speech prepared or bring anything. The judges just want to see that you're confident and interested in tourism.

"Just show up and be yourself. They are looking for style, substance and general delivery."

The casting call for the new YTM begins this morning at 9 a.m. and continues till noon at the Department of Tourism on the first floor of Global House on Church Street. The casting call will also take place tomorrow morning at the same time and same place.

Students will be asked their views on if Bermuda's a good place to visit for health and wellness tourism, such as spas to de-stress.

They will also be asked if travel between Caribbean countries should be encouraged.