The finalists have been named in Bermuda’s inaugural Tourism Youth Speech Competition, following a strong preliminary round that brought together students from schools across the island to share their ideas about tourism and its future.
In partnership with Youth Parliament Bermuda, the competition now moves into its most exciting stage – and on September 10, Bermuda is invited to come out, cheer on the finalists and see who will earn the opportunity to represent the island in Guyana.
Following an impressive evening of presentations, three students have earned their place in the final, where they will compete to become Bermuda’s Junior Tourism Ambassador.
Congratulations to our finalists:
Simari-Lee Bermuda Institute
Christopher Madeiros Saltus Grammar School
Princess Mitch Dioko Cedarbridge Academy
Held in Bermuda for the first time this year, the competition was extended to schools island-wide, giving students the opportunity to explore tourism-related issues, bring their own perspectives to the conversation and consider the role their generation can play in the future of Bermuda’s visitor economy.
The students committed part of their summer to researching, writing, practising and preparing – building their public-speaking and leadership skills along the way. Their presentations reflected fresh thinking about Bermuda’s visitor experience, culture, community and the opportunities ahead.
“I’m incredibly proud of every student who stepped forward to be part of this,” said Jan Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “Tourism belongs to all of us, and Bermudians will always be at the heart of what makes the experience of this island so distinctive and authentic. As tourism evolves, we have an opportunity to inspire a new generation to see the possibilities within it – not only as a career, but as a place for their ideas, talents, creativity and leadership. These young people are part of that future, and I want them to know that their voices matter. I’m excited to see our finalists take the stage in September, and I hope Bermuda will come out and cheer them on.”
The competition forms part of a broader commitment to strengthening the connection between Bermuda’s young people and its visitor economy – helping the next generation see the breadth of opportunities tourism can create while building the talent and leadership that will help move the industry forward.
Tourism’s impact reaches well beyond the traditional visitor experience, supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives, events, culture and communities across the island.
At its heart are Bermudians themselves – the people, stories and experiences that give the destination its character and make a visit to Bermuda unlike anywhere else.
In addition to the finalists, the Bermuda Tourism Authority celebrates all students who participated in the preliminary round and the schools they represented:
Aiden Glazebrook Mount Saint Agnes Academy
Daniela Ratteray Bermuda Institute
Every student who took part represented their school with confidence and commitment after weeks of preparation over the summer.
Bermuda, Get Ready for the Final
Thursday, Spetember 10
6 pm
RSVP
The excitement now builds toward the Bermuda Tourism Youth Speech Competition Final on Thursday, September 10, at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute at 6:00pm.
The final is open to the public, giving family, friends, schools and the wider community the opportunity to support the students, hear their ideas first-hand and share in a celebration of Bermuda’s next generation.
To attend, please click RSVP by Monday, September 7.
Media will also be invited to cover the final, with additional details to follow.
At the end of the evening, one student will be named Bermuda’s Junior Tourism Ambassador and advance to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s regional competition in Guyana.
For one young Bermudian, it will be the chance to take their voice beyond the island. For Bermuda, it is another opportunity to celebrate the talent, ambition and ideas of the generation that will help shape what comes next.
