Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase 2026
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is pleased to invite tertiary-level institutions and students to participate in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase 2026. This regional initiative provides an exciting opportunity for students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees to demonstrate creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in tourism development.
The Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase is designed to encourage students to explore innovative solutions to tourism challenges while developing professional skills in research, business planning, and presentation. Participants will have the opportunity to share their ideas on a regional platform while contributing to the future development of Caribbean tourism.
The competition focuses on three key pillars:
- Inspire Creativity
- Enhance Skills
- Shape the Future of Caribbean Tourism
Competition Stages
The competition will take place in three stages:
- Stage 1 – Qualifiers
Each participating member country will select a team to represent the country through submission of a 3-minute project concept video.
Qualifiers Submission Deadline: 31 March 2026 - Stage 2 – Semi-Finals
The selected team will advance to the semi-final round and submit a 10-page business proposal outlining their tourism concept or solution. - Stage 3 – Finals
Finalist teams will deliver a 15-minute live presentation during Caribbean Week in New York City, scheduled for 01–05 June 2026.
Why Participate?
The Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase provides students with the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in tourism innovation and business development
- Develop research, proposal writing, and presentation skills
- Collaborate and compete with peers from across the Caribbean
- Present ideas that could help shape the future of tourism in the region
- Gain regional exposure and recognition for their work
Registration and Participation
Institutions interested in participating in the Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase 2026 are encouraged to confirm their interest.
Should your institution wish to participate, kindly confirm your interest by completing the following form:
Additional details regarding competition guidelines, timelines, and national selection processes will be shared with participating institutions.
Additional Information
Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Children’s Essay & Poster Competitions
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) encourages students to take part in exciting competitions that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of the Cayman Islands' tourism product.
These initiatives provide valuable opportunities for young Caymanians to explore tourism-related themes, showcase their talents, and gain recognition at both national and international levels. We also encourage teachers to integrate these activities into their school calendars as part of tourism education.
The 2025 Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Children’s Essay and Poster Competitions invite students from across the Caribbean and Latin America to participate in a unique platform that promotes creativity, environmental awareness, and tourism education.
Through well-crafted essays and creative poster designs, students are encouraged to think critically about pressing tourism topics, explore innovative solutions to industry challenges, and reflect on their role as stewards of the environment.
2025 Themes:
- Children’s Essay Competition – “If I were a cruise passenger, what would I like to see or do in my country?”
- Children’s Environmental Poster Competition – “How to Protect the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities”
Eligibility:
- Junior Division: Ages 12 & under
- Senior Division: Ages 13–16
Prizes:
Overall winners in each category will receive cash awards, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, along with recognition for their schools. Finalists from each participating destination will also be awarded for their achievements.
Key Deadlines:
- School submissions to the Department of Tourism: 3 September, 2025
- National winners submitted to FCCA: 1 October, 2025
Full rules, guidelines, and entry forms are available in the attachments below.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Competition Committee at: competition@caymanislands.ky
International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) – Poster Competition
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development, proudly presents the 2025 International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) Poster Competition under the theme: “Women in Diving & Watersports”.
This competition is part of the upcoming ISDHF Induction Ceremony, which will celebrate an all-female group of inductees for their invaluable contributions to diving and watersports.
Why Participate?
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the impact of women in diving and watersports.
- Showcase creativity and develop artistic skills.
- Have their work displayed at high-profile tourism events, including the ISDHF Induction Ceremony and Night at the Museum.
- Compete for cash prizes and national recognition.
Eligibility:
Open to students ages 10–17 in the Cayman Islands.
Important Dates:
- Deadline for submissions: 5 September, 2025
- Announcement of Winners: 10 September, 2025
- Night at the Museum Event, 18 September, 2025
- 2025 ISDHF Induction Ceremony: 20 September, 2025
How to Apply:
The full competition overview is attached below, including details on poster size, submission requirements, judging criteria, and awards.
Submission Link: Submit Here
Students or teachers can upload high-resolution images of completed posters along with artist statements via the above link. Artwork must be delivered to the Government Administration Building (GAB) by Friday, 5 September, 2025 4:30 PM. An email will be sent confirming receipt of Artwork.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Competition Committee at: competition@caymanislands.ky