Virgin Holidays Awards $30,000 to Caribbean Hospitality & Events Management Student
Virgin Holidays Awards $30,000 to Caribbean Hospitality & Events Management Student
Virgin Holidays, through its longstanding partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Education Foundation has awarded its 2011 Caribbean Scholarship to Shanelle Rodney from Grenada who is all set to begin studying for her B.Sc. in Sports, Events & Entertainment Management at Johnson & Wales University, Miami, in September. Johnson & Wales University has added a tuition award to the Virgin Holidays scholarship giving a total award of $45,000 over three years of study through the CHTA Education Foundation.
Ms. Rodney cried with happiness on learning she had won the CHTAEF top award, “these respected professional companies have proven that my dreams are not far-fetched and I can contribute to the diversity and growth of the Grenadian tourism product through interactive events for locals and visitors alike while bringing all public sectors to actively participate in the tourism product & evolution process.” Grenada now boasts two Virgin Holidays Scholars - Maxine Pierre, the 2008 recipient, and Ms. Rodney.
Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, said, "We love to see youth shine and we know that Shanelle is going to be an important and influential voice in the Caribbean tourism industry in the coming years. The Caribbean, with its world famous hospitality, beautiful sights and fantastic people has long been a favorite of our customers, and we’re proud to give something back through this very successful scholarship program with CHTAEF, which we have supported since 2005."
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) was established in 1987 as a stand-alone non-profit / tax-exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism.
As part of its mission, the Education Foundation provides people throughout the Caribbean region with an awareness of the industry’s varied career opportunities, as well as technical and professional development. Since 1987, the Education Foundation has awarded over a $1.25 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry.
The Education Foundation is also active in supporting Haitians students & industry personnel following the earthquake in January 2010 by facilitating a holistic Spoken English/ Practical Hospitality Skills & Academic training project in Port au Prince.
