St. Johns, Antigua - NICOYAN JONES today set the Eastern Caribbean alight with his passion, focus and belief in the tourism industry. Nicoyan was in Antigua for a packed morning of meetings and media appearances following his selection as one of only two CHTA Education Foundation / Virgin Holidays scholars in the Caribbean for 2009. Nicoyan was selected, alongside Tiffany Roberts of Antigua, for this prestigious scholarship which will pay him US$5,000 tuition fees each year for 3-years as he studies at the University of the West Indies in Barbados & the Bahamas for his B.Sc. Tourism Management.
Nicoyan met with Hon. John Maginley, Minister of Tourism Antigua and Chairman Caribbean Tourism Organization; the Honorable Minister congratulated Nicoyan on his success and commented “You have made me very proud as Chairman of CTO for representing the OECS so strongly and I know your Minister of Tourism, Hon. Richard Skerritt will be delighted at this success for St. Kitts & Nevis. You have worked hard through the ranks of various hospitality entities to reach your position as Assistant Manager of the Ballahoo Restaurant and I feel this opportunity will allow you to pursue your highest goals”.
Amanda Wills, Managing Director Virgin Holidays commented “Nicoyan will study hard and pave the way to taking a leading role in helping shape the future of Caribbean tourism development. UWI has an excellent reputation worldwide and we are pleased to note that UWI has recently introduced sustainability modules within its tourism courses. This we feel is vital to the long term picture, a picture we are passionate about and committed to. Virgin Holidays wishes Nicoyan successful studies and an equally accomplished career in Caribbean tourism”.
Nicoyan wowed audiences in Antigua/Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis and across the region on the internet as his appearances were streamed live! He was humble, gracious and spoke strongly about the recognition of tourisms importance on the foreign exchange and wealth of his Federation of States and his belief that moving forward, tourism planning, development and leadership must come from individuals with hands-on work experience in the industry coupled with recognized qualifications in Tourism & Hospitality. Nicoyan recognized the St Kitts and Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association for handling the publicity & administration of the CHTA Education Foundation and encouraged all young Kittians and Nevisians working in the hospitality sector to contact the SKNHTA for details about next years scholarships!
These CHTA Education Foundations scholarship are facilitated in St Kitts by the St Kitts and Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association.
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