Carib tourism group offers scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS OF up to US$20,000 are being made available to Caribbean nationals wishing to study tourism or hospitality as the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) again assists with the educational development of the region's youth.

The region's tourism development agency, through its scholarship programme, the CTO Foundation, is awarding the scholarships to individuals wanting to study tourism or hospitality at the Master's (post graduate) level.

In addition, the CTO Foundation is offering study grants of up to US$2,500 to individuals pursing tourism/hospitality studies at the certificate, diploma, associate degree or first degree level, and to industry personnel who want to gain proficiency in a second language to assist them in their job. Studies can be pursued both within and outside the Caribbean region.

The foundation is already accepting applications for the scholarships and study grants and interested persons have until April 15, 2006 to send in their application forms.

"The foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership, both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism," said Bonita Morgan, CTO's director of human resource.

AWARDED 64 STUDY GRANTS

Last year, the foundation awarded five scholarships totalling US$30,000 and 10 study grants totalling US$10,000. Since 1997 it has provided 26 major scholarships and 64 study grants to deserving Caribbean nationals, amounting to just over US$500,000.

Major foundation sponsors include American Express, American Airlines, Interval International, the CTO chapters worldwide and numerous allied members.

Application forms for the CTO Foundation's scholarship, as well as further information can be found at www.onecaribbean.org. Application forms are also available at CTO offices, of tourism ministries, boards of tourism, and hotel association offices.