TPDCo’s Youth Expo and Career Fair Empowers Youth to Explore Tourism Careers Beyond the Beaten Track

The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) successfully hosted the 8th staging of its Tourism Youth Expo and Career Fair on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the BREDs Treasure Beach Sports Park in St. Elizabeth. Under the theme “Tourism Careers Beyond the Beaten Track,” the event aimed to empower young Jamaicans and showcase diverse opportunities within the tourism sector.

TPDCo’s Executive Director, Mr. Wade Mars (from right), Corporate Communications and Community Awareness Coordinator, Mrs. Marline Stephenson Dalley, and BREDs Treasure Beach Foundation Chairman, Jason Henzell at the 8th staging of TPDCo’s Youth Expo and Career Fair 2024 at the BREDs Sports Park in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.

The TPDCo Youth Expo and Career Fair provided a dynamic platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration among students, educators, industry professionals, and policymakers. Schools from the south coast destination area actively participated, engaging with representatives from various sectors of the tourism industry.

Mr. Wade Mars, Executive Director of TPDCo, delivered a compelling keynote speech emphasizing the critical role of human capital development in driving sustainable growth and competitiveness in Jamaica’s tourism sector. He highlighted the importance of expanding career aspirations beyond traditional fields, recognizing the multitude of opportunities available within tourism.

Executive Director of TPDCo, Mr. Wade Mars, delivering a compelling keynote speech emphasizing the critical role of human capital development in driving sustainable growth and competitiveness in Jamaica’s tourism sector. Mr. Mars was speaking at TPDCo’s Youth Expo and Career 2024 held on Thursday, April 11, at the BREDs Sports Park in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth under the theme: “Tourism Careers Beyond the Beaten Track.”

“In our pursuit of excellence, we are pleased to showcase some of those diverse talents and offerings that express the essence of Jamaican hospitality,” stated Mr. Wade Mars. “Today’s event reflects our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, paving the way for a more vibrant tourism landscape.”

The TPDCo Youth Expo and Career Fair featured interactive displays and presentations from several partners including Sandals South Coast Resort, showcasing mixology, live cooking demonstrations, weddings, spa/wellness tourism and eco-tourism initiatives. The Jamaica Tourist Board and the Caribbean Maritime University also participated, highlighting career opportunities in destination marketing, marine tourism, and related industries.  The creative sub-sector was also represented by master potter Phillip Supersad who demonstrated pottery and drum making.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore various career paths within the tourism sector, from hospitality and culinary arts to marketing and agricultural innovation. Through engaging activities and informative sessions, participants gained valuable insights into the diverse facets of Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Master potter Phillip Supersad guides a student from Newell High School, one of the participating schools from the south coast destination area, during a pottery-making demonstration at the TPDCo Youth Expo and Career Fair 2024. The event showcased the diverse career opportunities within the tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of expanding career aspirations beyond traditional fields.

As the event concluded, Mr. Wade Mars expressed gratitude to all participants and underscored the importance of embracing innovation, creativity, and strategic differentiation in shaping the future of Jamaica’s tourism industry.