Some 32 primary and preparatory schools across the island will vie for the championship trophy in the 2024 Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) Tourism Quiz Competition.

This marks a significant expansion from last year’s 16 participating schools, underscoring the growing interest in and importance of this educational initiative.

The TPDCo Tourism Quiz, now in its fifth year, is designed to infuse the culture of tourism within Jamaica’s education system. As an arm of the Ministry of Tourism, TPDCo is mandated to develop and enhance Jamaica’s tourism product. One of the key strategies to achieve this mandate is by fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of tourism among the nation’s youth.

“The TPDCo’s Tourism Quiz Competition is more than just a tournament; it is an investment in the future of Jamaica’s tourism sector. By engaging young minds with the rich heritage and diverse offerings of our country, we are building ambassadors for our tourism product,” said Wade Mars, executive director of TPDCo.

The competition caters to students from grades 4-6 island-wide. It aims to inspire national pride and highlight the numerous career possibilities within the tourism industry.

The quiz questions are derived from a range of resources, including editions one and two of ‘The Adventures of Sprucey and Limey‘ , the 2019-20 edition of ‘Our Jamaica‘ 2019/20, Primary Exit Profile (PEP) syllabi for social studies and mathematics, general knowledge (news and current affairs), basic Spanish, as well as various online resources from the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies’ websites.

The format of the competition involves several rounds, with winners advancing to the next stage until only two teams remain for the grand fnals. This rigorous process ensures that the most knowledgeable and prepared students are celebrated for their efforts. The competition will be hosted by award-winning journalist Javaughn Keyes, who has been the quiz master since 2019.

This year’s increased participation highlights the success and impact of the TPDCo Tourism Quiz, as more schools recognise the value of integrating tourism education into their curricula. The event not only enhances academic learning but also encourages students to develop a deeper connection with their country’s cultural and natural assets.