ST ANN, Jamaica — Students from several schools across Jamaica recently enjoyed a hands-on learning experience during visits to Sandals Dunn’s River and Sandals Royal Plantation.

The trip formed part of the resort’s Tourism in Schools programme, which aims to expose students to different careers in hospitality while helping them complete their School-Based Assessment (SBA) projects.

During the visits, students toured key areas of the resorts, including Housekeeping and Rooms Divisions, Food and Beverage Operations, and Sustainability initiatives.

They learned about the resorts’ recycled water systems, energy efficiency practices, and the steps required to achieve and maintain EarthCheck certification, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism.

This gave them a practical understanding of how resorts operate while caring for the environment.

Kevin Clarke, general manager of Sandals Dunn’s River, highlighted the value of the programme.

“Many students have studied tourism in theory, but seeing it in action is completely different. Being on property, talking with our team members and seeing daily operations first-hand gives them insight into the exciting careers available in hospitality,” he said.

“Their energy and curiosity remind us that the future of Jamaican tourism is in excellent hands,” he continued.

Roxanne Brown, learning and development manager at Sandals Dunn’s River, emphasised how the programme links classroom learning with 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 that have recently participated 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 give students a new perspective on the hospitality industry and reinforce what they have learned in class.

Students were engaged throughout the tours, asking questions about careers, daily operations, and the skills required to succeed in tourism. Many commented on how inspiring it was to see their classroom lessons come to life, and the opportunity to complete their SBA projects in such a real-world setting was invaluable.

The programme continues to be a success, leaving students motivated, informed and excited about the many possibilities within Jamaica’s growing tourism industry.