Four young speakers participated in the first in-person tourism ambassador competition to take place in four years. Cayman Brac had strong representation in the finals, with three of the competitors coming from Layman E. Scott Sr. High School.
Garson Gardiner, the only student from John Gray High School, became the new tourism ambassador on Wednesday after beating out his fellow finalists in an oral competition.
The championship, held at the George Town Yacht Club, required the finalists to choose one of four main topics as the basis for a three-minute presentation with accompanying video presentation, as outgoing ambassador Rayne Harding explained.
Tackling the topic of ‘Collaboration Across Cultures’, Gardiner spoke to the importance of promoting “enriching, authentic experiences” to diversify the tourism market and encourage repeat visits.
“Travel isn’t only about seeing new places,” he said. “It’s about experiencing different ways of life.”
He continued, “Cultural diversity adds depth and colour to travel. Sharing diverse traditions, cuisines, arts and customs from various cultures creates a more immersive, memorable and unique experience for tourists.”
Celebrating all nationalities
Finalist Kiley Scott tackled the same subject. She said the Cayman Islands’ 137 nationalities and interesting history should be well celebrated. Scott also noted the economic benefits of creating an inclusive environment attractive to more visitors.
“Diverse perspectives within our tourism sector help us keep up with our changing world and tend to the various kinds of visitors we encounter,” she said.
Giving the natural resources of the Cayman Islands their due accolades, Suwayne Young Watson focused on the blue economy. She noted how vital activities like snorkelling are to a sustainable tourism industry, and how essential it is to support local conservation efforts.
Finalist Kai Roberts expounded upon solo travel. He showcased the bountiful opportunities available on Cayman Brac for visitors to enjoy a quiet getaway and satisfy their “hunger for authentic and unique experiences”.
“In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable surge in intrepid souls exploring the world on their own, and I think we need to capture this trending group and showcase to them the wonders of our slice of paradise here in Cayman,” he said.
Unique offerings
Following their prepared speeches, the finalists had to think on their feet, answering the question of what unique person, place or thing they thought represented the Cayman Islands.
Nature was a big focus for the contestants, who lauded the Cayman Turtle Centre and Stingray City.
Scott also pointed out the particular attributes of the Cayman Brac Heritage House, which brings to life an old Caymanian home.
Gardiner focused on the Wreck of the Ten Sail, where vessels, including the HMS Convert, crashed in 1794.
“We need to not only look toward our future, but remember where we are coming from and appreciate it,” he said.
Judges weighed the clarity, organisation, persuasiveness, originality and evidence of research in each presentation, finding Gardiner’s overall presence exceptional.
Gardiner’s parents said he had invested a lot of time preparing, particularly on the video element, and they were proud he did so well, especially considering the tough competition.
A year of new experiences
Tourism and Ports Minister Kenneth Bryan commended the finalists for their confidence speaking on a public podium and passion for uplifting the Cayman Islands.
Among other prizes, Watson, who took fourth place, received $100; third-place finisher Roberts won a helicopter tour and $250; second-place finisher Scott won two tickets for domestic travel via Cayman Airways and $500; and Gardiner won the title, two plane tickets to any destination and $1,000.
Bryan said the ambassador typically represents the island at the annual Caribbean Tourism Organization conference. But considering the Cayman Islands is hosting this year, he made arrangements for the winner to accompany him to New York Week.
“They will still get the exposure to see what we do when we promote the Cayman Islands,” he said.
Marzeta Bodden, deputy director of tourism product development, said the competition first began in 2003 and said it has been a “beacon of enlightenment” for tourism’s impact in the community.
“They have honed their communication, reasoning and public speaking skills, preparing them to be eloquent ambassadors for our beloved Cayman Islands,” she said of all the finalists.
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