The Department of Tourism is offering one young person the chance to become the Cayman Islands’ next tourism ambassador.
Together with the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, the department is running the competition as part of a tourism awareness initiative designed to deepen students’ understanding of the industry and its impact locally, regionally and internationally.
Open to young people aged 14 to 17 who are currently enrolled in a Cayman secondary school or home schooled, the competition begins with a public speaking video submission.
Participants must create a three-minute presentation responding to one of three tourism-related topics provided upon registration. Submissions must be received by 23 March.
Video entries will be judged on reasoning and evidence of research, creativity, delivery and originality.
Presentations must be clear, well-lit and professionally delivered, with students dressed in business attire.
Finalists selected from the video round will advance to the live 2025 Tourism Speak-Off, where they will debate a new topic in front of judges to determine the 2025 tourism ambassador.
Event and announcement dates are to be confirmed.
The winning student will serve as tourism ambassador for one year, gaining valuable learning experiences and personal and professional development opportunities.
The ambassador may also participate in ministry- and department-sponsored tourism events throughout the year.
Deputy premier and minister for tourism and trade development, Gary Rutty, said tourism had “long been the heartbeat of the Cayman Islands economy, but sustaining its strength requires more than our beautiful beaches and world-class infrastructure”.
“It requires passionate, informed, and confident young Caymanians who understand the true value of what we offer the world and can articulate it authentically.
“That is precisely what this programme is designed to cultivate,” he told Cayman Independent.
“By inviting secondary school students between the ages of 14 and 17 to participate in the programme, first through a video competition and then through a live speak-off event, we are giving our youth a platform to find their voice, develop their confidence, and deepen their connection to Caymanian culture and heritage.”
He encouraged every eligible student in Cayman to “step forward, embrace this opportunity, and show us and the world what it truly means to be a voice for Cayman”.
To be eligible, students must be between 14 and 17 years old on 1 October, actively involved in school debates or general knowledge competitions, knowledgeable about tourism, and not a previous Tourism Video Competition winner or ambassador.
Students interested in participating can register online and access the Student Information Packet for full details on submission guidelines and competition requirements.
Those keen to take part can register here.
