Jamaica

Scholarship

MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management

The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica

One of the most exciting and humbling moments in my life thus far, was the day that the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) contacted me in July 2013 to inform me that my scholarship application was successful. In September of that year, the CTO’s generous award of US $5,000 facilitated my successful matriculation with financial peace of mind to commence postgraduate studies in Tourism and Hospitality Management. While a determined individual with a dream will thrive under many difficult circumstances; the benefits of feeling financially secure while pursuing said dream, cannot be overlooked. For this reason, I was overcome with gratitude.

Here we are in November 2015, and I am even more grateful now than I was back then! It is my absolute delight to state that I am now the proud holder of the Master of Science Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management (with distinction) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Having successfully completed postgraduate studies, I have attained a higher level understanding of what it truly takes for the tourism industry to be sustainable and the possible strategic roles that I may assume in facilitating this process. This sustainability is of particular importance to the many vulnerable tourism dependent economies in the Caribbean region. Specifically, the program has enabled me to significantly enhance my research and analytical skills, and to gain in-depth knowledge of the necessary inputs and factors for Caribbean destinations to be deemed internationally competitive.

I cannot wait to be in a position where I can give back to the organization that will undoubtedly play a vital role in whatever career successes I achieve down the line. As a young, aspiring tourism professional, I am eternally grateful to the CTO Foundation for contributing to this milestone in my personal development. Thank you, once again, for this amazing opportunity.

Year of Scholarship

2013