Photo showing: Ian Fraser, Chairman of the AHTA with Sadi Benjamin, Jessica Samuel, Matara Murphy and Anthea Watkins of the AHTA
The hotel industry is a major contributor to the Antigua & Barbuda economy and will remain so for the foreseeable future. However working in this industry is not always given the necessary recognition and is not considered a valued career choice by many young people.
In an effort to attract some of the island’s brightest young persons into the hotel sector the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association (AHTA) has initiated a scholarship program for the two year Hospitality Management Associate Degree Course at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute open to citizens of Antigua & Barbuda. The AHTA is most pleased with the partnership arrangement with the Institute that has made the awarding of these scholarships possible.
Out of a submission of eight applicants, the Board of Directors selected three bright young ladies that met all the necessary criteria. The successful applicants who were awarded the two year scholarships represent a wide range of the community. Two are currently working in the hospitality industry and the other has completed her secondary school studies.
The recipients for this year’s scholarships are Martara Murphy, Sadi Benjamin and Jessica Samuel, and the young ladies are set to start the management programme in September 2010.
The AHTA strongly advocates for professional development and educational attainment which is part of the organizations commitment in developing a cadre of future managers, hoteliers and entrepreneurs that will benefit the hospitality industry.
Each year, Hospitality Management scholarships will be available from the AHTA to Antiguans and Barbudans to attend the ABHTI , therefore citizens are urged to apply to capitalize on this educational opportunity.
