The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) recently awarded 24 scholarships totaling US$154,500 to Caribbean nationals pursuing a higher education or professional development in hospitality and tourism after receiving 48 qualified applications from 13 countries.

“We are very pleased with the quality of applicants we received this year which reflect some of the brightest and goal-oriented individuals the Caribean region has to offer,” said Richard S. Kahn, chairman of CHTAEF. “Educating the future of the Caribbean tourism industry is our focus and we are thankful we have so many sponsoring companies, hotels and resorts and individuals helping to fulfill these scholarship awards for the students,” Kahn noted.

Scholarship recipients range in age from 18 to 45 years ? each planning to continue or commence studies in various specialities in the hospitality industry.

Applicants for this scholarship opportunity were requested to write an essay describing why they are most deserving of the scholarships, how the scholarships would change their lives and in which ways they would contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector in their respective country.

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.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com