Pictured: Sixth form students who will be sitting the CAPE Tourism Unit 1 and 2 examinations listened keenly to the presentation made by Kerry-Ann Wray, CAPE Tourism Teacher at St. Hugh’s High School at the CAPE Tourism Knowledge Forum in Kingston on February 24.

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Thursday, March 26, 2026 – Approximately 350 Sixth Form students were empowered and inspired as the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), through its Tourism Awareness Unit, successfully hosted its second CAPE Tourism Knowledge Forum on Tuesday, February 24 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and Tuesday, March 10 at The Garden Hotel.

Held under the theme, “Beyond the Textbook: Strategies for ACEing CAPE Tourism,” the forum brought together Tourism Action Club members and non-members preparing to sit CAPE Tourism Unit 1 and Unit 2 examinations. The initiative forms part of the JTB’s strategic thrust to strengthen tourism education and build capacity among the next generation of industry professionals.

Participating schools at the Kingston session included Morant Bay High School, Calabar High School, Ascot High School, Ocho Rios High School and York Castle High School, among others.

Students gained valuable access to senior tourism officials and industry professionals, including Peter Mullings, Deputy Director of Tourism, Marketing, Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Carolyn McDonald-Riley, Director of the Tourism Linkages Network and Beienetch Watson, Tourism, Hospitality & Events Management Lecturer and Unit Head for Marketing, International Business, Entrepreneurship & Strategy at the University of the West Indies, Mona among other informative guests.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, underscored the industry’s reliance on skilled, innovative young people. “Tourism is not just about hospitality; it is strategy, sustainability, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness. Jamaica’s leadership in tourism resilience and destination marketing is built on strong human capital. By investing in our students today, we are safeguarding the future of the industry,” said White.

“This forum was designed to provide targeted support for students as they prepare their internal assessments and written papers for the CAPE Tourism examinations. As a relatively new subject offering, Tourism can present challenges in accessing resources and industry insight. By connecting students and educators directly with tourism professionals, we are ensuring they are better informed, better prepared, and more confident in their approach to the examinations,” expressed Lucretia Green, Manager of the Tourism Information Centre, JTB.

Pictured: Lucretia Green, Manager of the Tourism Information Centre, JTB (centred) engages with students from St. Hugh’s High School at the CAPE Tourism Knowledge Forum held on February 24.

The programme also featured a dynamic and motivational session on exam success delivered by Krystal Tomlinson Carter, who encouraged students to adopt disciplined study habits, build confidence and approach their CAPE examinations with focus and determination.

Students described the forum as highly informative. “The forum was very beneficial for me because it reinforced much of the material I had already covered in class. It acted as a useful review session, especially with exams fast approaching. I also received helpful notes that will support my studies. Additionally, I valued the internal assessment guide provided for students who may still be working on that component,” stated Tahera Panton, Vice President of the Tourism Action Club and sixth form student at The Queen’s School.

Raymond Bingham, teacher at the Morant Bay High School expressed his appreciation of the initiative. “Today’s session played a key role in motivating my students and boosting their confidence. I especially valued how it guided them on effective ways to approach different types of questions. It also gave them the opportunity to learn from industry experts and see firsthand that a career in tourism is both diverse and rewarding,” he expressed.

Following the success of the Kingston staging, the Tourism Awareness Unit also hosted another CAPE Tourism Knowledge Forum on Tuesday, March 10 at The Garden Hotel in Mandeville with attendance from students at Glenmuir High School, Herbert Morrison Technical High School, Central High School and Frome Technical High School.

Pictured: Peter Mullings, Deputy Director of Tourism, Marketing (left) explains a concept he made in his presentation to a student from Glenmuir High School at the CAPE Tourism Knowledge Forum held on March 10 at The Garden Hotel.

Through initiatives like the CAPE Tourism Knowledge Forum, the JTB continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth development, education and the long-term sustainability of Jamaica’s tourism industry.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.