TUI Care Foundation Supports Sustainable Tourism in Jamaica - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Together, the programmes aim to reduce environmental impact and provide vocational training and employment opportunities for local communities.

With a pledge of over half a million euros, the Foundation will support hospitality education for 120 disadvantaged young people and introduce upcycling initiatives that could benefit up to 300 locals.

Montego Bay, one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations, faces significant challenges related to plastic and glass waste and youth unemployment. In response, TUI Care Foundation has partnered with the local NGO Smilozone Cares to establish a recycling and waste management system. The project includes the creation of an upcycling centre, where discarded materials will be turned into new products. In addition to providing employment and training, the centre will serve as an educational site where visitors can learn about sustainable practices through tours and activities.

The Destination Zero Waste Jamaica programme also works with local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues to build a coordinated waste collection network. Community engagement is central to the initiative, with schools and neighbourhood groups taking part in environmental workshops and clubs to promote awareness and sustainable habits.

This programme is part of the TUI Care Foundation’s broader Destination Zero Waste initiative, which supports circular economy projects in tourism hotspots such as Curaçao, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Cyprus, and Tunisia.

In parallel, the Foundation has launched the TUI Academy in collaboration with the Institute of Vocational Education and Skills Training (INVEST). This programme will provide vocational education for 120 young people from underserved communities, addressing a shortage of skilled workers in Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality industry. Training courses include Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Service, Culinary Skills, and Tour Guiding. These are combined with life skills coaching in areas such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and substance abuse prevention.

Following the classroom training, students will take part in practical placements with local tourism businesses, giving them real-world experience and potential pathways to employment.

The initiative is part of the global TUI Academy network, which offers vocational training and personal development opportunities for young people in destinations including Thailand, Kenya, Zanzibar, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Montenegro, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Cape Verde.

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