The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Education Foundation (CHTAEF) conducted its annual fundraising event at this year’s New York Times Travel Show 26-28 January.  The auction raised nearly $85,000 from the generosity of more than 85 hotels around the region, who donate hotel stays to be auctioned.

These funds, combined with the donations from the Foundation’s two corporate sponsors, Virgin Holidays and Interval International will fund the scholarships and certification programs in the region in 2018.  The scholarship application process with open at the end of February for candidates interested in pursuing continuing education in the hospitality and tourism sector.

CHTAEF’s mandate also provides funding for industry professionals pursuing internationally recognized certifications. In conjunction with Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, certification programs are being developed and funded for Caribbean hotel and tourism professionals.  These shorter courses will provide immediate, tangible results for the industry due to the nature of their tailored and specific coursework and will allow eligible candidates within the region to further their professional development through short courses without an extended leave of absence.