John Gray High School student Aylani Morris-Seymour has been named the 2025 Cayman Islands tourism ambassador.
The honour came following her victory at the annual Tourism Ambassador Speak-Off Competition held 12 June at Hotel Indigo.
Morris-Seymour competed against three other finalists in the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development’s prestigious competition.
The contest was conducted in a board of directors meeting format where participants discussed topical tourism issues.
The winning presentation focused on heritage tourism and developing living history experiences for the Cayman Islands.
Morris-Seymour outlined three actionable recommendations: a digital cultural passport mobile app, enhanced cruise dock cultural experiences, and establishment of a Caymanian heritage village in George Town.
“A Caribbean tourism expert once said, encouraging and supporting heritage tourism is one of the best things we can do for our Caribbean nations,” Morris-Seymour told the panel of judges.
“The Cayman Islands has a special opportunity to turn that tradition into something that is unforgettable. We can protect who we are while also sharing us with the world.”
Competition prizes
Morris-Seymour received CI$1,000 in prize money, a first-place trophy, two Cayman Airways tickets to any destination, a Department of Tourism gift bag, and personal and professional development opportunities.
She will serve as the official tourism ambassador for one year and represent the Cayman Islands at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Barbados in October.
The runner-up, Bella Persaud, also from John Gray High School, received $500, a second-place trophy, and two Cayman Airways tickets to the Sister Islands.
Third place went to Anna Punambolam from Cayman International School, who received $250 and a helicopter tour gift certificate.
Fourth place was awarded to Tashyla Thompson-Brown from Grace Christian Academy, who received $100 and a restaurant gift certificate.
Competition format
The competition featured two rounds. In the first round, each finalist gave a three-minute presentation on their chosen topic using audio-visual aids they designed themselves.
Topics included digital transformation in tourism, sustainable and inclusive tourism strategies, and heritage tourism development.
The second round consisted of an impromptu presentation on the mystery topic: ‘What Caymanian tradition or cultural practice means the most to you, and how would you share it with a first-time visitor to help them connect with our heritage?’
Deputy Premier Gary Rutty, who also serves as tourism and trade development minster, addressed the finalists.
“When I look at all of you seated here, I see more than students. I see visionaries,” he said.
I see the next great hoteliers, policy architects, cultural champions, climate advocates, and digital trailblazers of our beloved Cayman Islands.”
Ambassador programme history
The tourism ambassador programme, established in 2003, forms part of the ministry’s strategy to engage young Caymanians in tourism promotion and development.
This year’s competition began in January with 14 video submissions from students aged 14-17 across Cayman Islands schools.
Marzeta Bodden, deputy director of tourism product development noted that finalists underwent extensive preparation.
This included ‘Know Your Cayman Islands’ training and five specialised public speaking workshops conducted by Toastmasters Grand Cayman.
The 2024 tourism ambassador Garson Gardiner, also from John Gray High School, served as competition chairperson and will pass his responsibilities to Morris-Seymour.
Morris-Seymour will represent the Cayman Islands at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference.
She will provide what organisers describe as “a significant platform for our young ambassador to showcase The Cayman Islands on the regional stage”.
The competition was open to public attendance and broadcast live across multiple platforms.
