Tourism and Hospitality scholarship deadlines

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (www.gotobermuda.com) is pleased to highlight three locally offered Tourism-industry scholarships. Combined, more than $850k has been awarded via these scholarships to over 100 Bermudian students over the past two decades.

• Skål Bermuda Scholarships for Hospitality and Tourism Studies are awarded to students pursuing educational and professional development in the hospitality and tourism industry. A total of $5,000 is given annually.

            Deadline: July 15, 2014

• RCL Hospitality and Tourism Studies Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to local students within the communities that RCL operates. A total of $20,000 is given annually.

            Deadline: June 20, 2014

• Bermuda Hotel Association/Link Bermuda Overseas Scholarships provide financial support for one year of study for suitably qualified individuals pursuing full-time hospitality programmes in the junior or senior year of an accredited college or university overseas. A total of $15,000 is given annually.

            Deadline: May 30, 2014

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Report on Bermuda, Travel and Tourism directly supported 3,500 jobs (9.9% of total employment) on the island and this was expected to rise by 2.2% in 2014 and remain unchanged at 4,000 jobs (10.4% of total employment) in 2024. These findings substantiate the importance of the industry and the need to invest in the human resources that support it.

BTA COO, Karla Lacey noted, “The financial support provided to Bermuda’s students pursuing tourism and hospitality demonstrates our industry partners’ commitment to the growth and sustainability of our tourism economy.”

Ashjuanna Thomas, an RCL Hospitality and Tourism Studies Scholarship recipient and Leadership Development program participant in Fairmont Southampton’s Human Resources Department, said she was, “honored to be a recipient,” and that, “without the scholarship my journey to receiving my degree would have been extremely difficult financially.” Ashjuanna added, “Johnson and Wales University was considered the dream school for me to attend, and receiving the RCL Scholarship allowed me to fulfill my dream, and for that I am truly grateful.

Bermuda Hotel Association/Link Bermuda Overseas Scholarship recipient, Alastair Jack’s Tourism studies culminated in the achievement of a Master of Science in Tourism at Arizona State. He stated that, “The financial support helped me offset tuition costs but also as importantly, gave me networking opportunities that helped me throughout my university and professional career.” Currently Alastair is the Hotel Liaison for the Bermuda Tourism Authority. He added, “I would like to thank the Bermuda Hotel Association and Link Bermuda for helping to provide the opportunity to further my education. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.”

RCL Hospitality and Tourism Studies Scholarship awardee Kamilah Cannonier graduated with a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. Understanding first-hand how ‘very helpful’ receiving the scholarship was in assisting with her school fees, Kamila stated, “Receiving the RCL scholarship not only helped me with my tuition, more importantly it helped me to follow my dreams.” Kamila, the proud owner of Sweet Saak Bakery in St. Georges concluded, “The education I was afforded was and still is a great asset to my career.”

For further information on the RCL scholarships visit www.bhi.bm; for the Skål scholarships call 292-1055 and for the Bermuda Hotel Association/Link scholarships visit www.bermudascholarships.com.