Contests and Competitions

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 2026 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.

FCCA 2026 Competition Themes

• Environmental Poster Competition Theme: “Ocean Protection Starts with Us”

Students are encouraged to creatively illustrate at least three ways in which the Cayman Islands can help preserve and protect the environment.

• Essay Competition Topic: “What are a few unique things a cruise passenger can enjoy only when visiting my destination?”

Students are invited to submit a 500-word essay highlighting the unique experiences, culture, attractions, and hospitality of the Cayman Islands.

Prize Awards

First place winners from each destination will advance to the final FCCA competition, where they will compete for the overall prizes (laptop or touchscreen devices):

To reward students for their efforts, all finalists submitted by their countries will receive US $200.00, except for those who place first, second, or third in each category.

Local Submission Deadlines: Thursday, 22nd October, 2026

Schools are kindly asked to review submissions internally and submit their selected entries to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism by the respective deadlines above. If schools are unable to conduct an internal review process, submissions may still be forwarded directly to the Department’s competition email: competition@caymanislands.ky, by the deadlines noted above. Please note that submissions received after these deadlines will not be considered.

We encourage your school to participate and support students in showcasing their talent and creativity through these exciting regional initiatives.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Competition Committee at: competition@caymanislands.ky

International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) – Poster Competition

As part of the 2026 celebrations and youth engagement initiatives, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is launching the 2026 ISDHF Poster Competition to encourage students to creatively explore ocean awareness, imagination, and marine storytelling through visual art.

Participants are invited to create original posters inspired by the competition theme What Lies Beneath, encouraging young artists to explore the hidden worlds beneath the ocean’s surface through creativity and artistic expression.

Students ages 8–17 across the Cayman Islands are invited to participate in the 2026 ISDHF Youth Poster Competition. The competition aims to encourage artistic expression while promoting awareness of ocean conservation and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Cayman Islands Marine Parks system.

Participants are encouraged to creatively showcase the beauty and importance of marine life, coral reefs, conservation, and environmental sustainability through visual art.

Eligibility:

• Open to students ages 8–17 in the Cayman Islands.

Important Dates:

• Deadline for submissions: 28 August, 2026
• Winners Announced, Film screening & Award Ceremony: Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
• Night at the Museum Event: 3 September, 2026
• 2026 ISDHF Induction Ceremony: 4 September, 2026

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 Cayman Islands Department of Tourism's Office at SIX, Cricket Square by 28 August, 2026 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

International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) – Film Competition

As part of the 2026 celebrations and youth engagement initiatives, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is launching the 2026 ISDHF Senior Film Competition to encourage students to creatively explore marine conservation, ocean awareness, and the relationship between people and the sea through film and digital storytelling.

The competition invites young filmmakers to produce engaging and original films inspired by one of two competition themes centered around ocean conservation, sustainability, marine ecosystems, and the future of our oceans.

Students may select one of the following themes for their short film submission:

Parallel Lives

Explore the hidden worlds, creatures, and ecosystems living beneath the ocean’s surface and the connections between human life and life underwater.

The World We Inherit

Create a film exploring themes such as ocean conservation, climate change, marine pollution, sustainability, marine life protection, or hope for the future of our oceans.

Films may be documentary, narrative, experimental, or animated in style.

Participants are invited to produce engaging and original films that showcase the beauty, importance, and preservation of Cayman’s marine ecosystems while promoting awareness of sustainable environmental practices.

Eligibility:

• Open to students ages 13–17 in the Cayman Islands.

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: Friday, August 28th, 2026
• Winners Announced, Film screening & Award Ceremony: Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
• Night at the Museum Event: 3 September, 2026
• 2026 ISDHF Induction Ceremony: 4 September, 2026

Please note that submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

We encourage your school to participate and support students in showcasing their creativity, artistic talents, and environmental awareness through these exciting initiatives.

How to Apply:
The full competition overview is attached below, including details on film requirements, file delivery, audio requirements, submission requirements, judging criteria, and awards.

Submission Link: Submit Here

Participants are required to submit their films and registration form electronically via the above link. 

Each submission must include:

• Participant Full Name(s) 
• Name of School/Institution/Homeschool 
• Grade Level 
• Contact Information 
• Film Title 

For questions or additional information, please contact the Competition Committee at: competition@caymanislands.ky