Jamaican students gain hands-on experience through Sandals Tourism in Schools program

Students from across Jamaica recently enjoyed an immersive, hands-on learning experience during visits to Sandals Dunn’s River and Sandals Royal Plantation. The visits form part of the resorts’ Tourism in Schools program, designed to expose students to careers in hospitality while supporting their School-Based Assessment (SBA) projects.

During the tours, students explored key areas of the resorts, including Housekeeping and Rooms Divisions, Food and Beverage Operations, and Sustainability initiatives. They learned about recycled water systems, energy efficiency practices, and the steps required to achieve and maintain EarthCheck certification, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism. The experience offered students practical insight into how resorts operate while caring for the environment.

Kevin Clarke, General Manager of Sandals Dunn’s River, highlighted the programme’s impact: “Many students have studied tourism in theory, but seeing it in action is completely different. Being on property, speaking with our team members, and witnessing daily operations first-hand gives them insight into the exciting careers available in hospitality. Their energy and curiosity remind us that the future of Jamaican tourism is in excellent hands.”

Roxanne Brown, Learning and Development Manager at Sandals Dunn’s River, emphasized the connection between classroom learning and real-world experience: “Students see the wide range of roles available in the tourism sector—from housekeeping and culinary arts to management and sustainability. These visits also show them how important tourism is to Jamaica’s economy and how rewarding a career in this industry can be.”

Schools participating recently include Clarendon College, Foga Road High School, Central High School, Jamaica College, Iona High School, Muschett High School, and Cornwall College. Teachers noted that the visits offered students a new perspective on the hospitality industry and reinforced their classroom learning.

Students actively engaged throughout the tours, asking questions about careers, daily operations, and the skills needed to succeed in tourism. Many described the experience as inspiring, with the opportunity to complete their SBA projects in a real-world setting proving invaluable.

The Tourism in Schools program continues to inspire and inform, leaving students motivated and excited about the many opportunities within Jamaica’s thriving tourism industry.