Being named Junior Tourism Ambassador and travelling to an upcoming event in South America are the prizes that await the winner of Bermuda’s inaugural Tourism Youth Speech Competition.

Following a strong preliminary round that brought together students to share their ideas about tourism and its future, Simari-Lee of the Bermuda Institute; Christopher Madeiros of Saltus Grammar School; and Princess Mitch Dioko from CedarBridge Academy will battle it out this month to become Bermuda’s Junior Tourism Ambassador.

Held in Bermuda for the first time, in partnership with the Youth Parliament, the competition was extended to schools island-wide, giving students the opportunity to explore tourism-related issues, bring their own perspectives and consider the role their generation can play in the future visitor economy.

Students committed part of their summer to researching, writing, practising and preparing — building their public-speaking and leadership skills along the way.

“I’m incredibly proud of every student who stepped forward to be part of this,” said Jan Hutton, chief executive 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.

In addition to the finalists, the BTA gave a special mention to Aiden Glazebrook of Mount Saint Agnes Academy, and Daniela Ratteray of the Bermuda Institute, who participated in the preliminary round.

The final is set to take place at BUEI on September 10 at 6pm.

The event is open to all. Guests are asked to RSVP by September 7.

At the end of the evening, one student will be named Bermuda’s Junior Tourism Ambassador and advance to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s regional competition in Guyana.