14th July 2006
Virgin Holidays the UK�s largest scheduled tour operator to the Caribbean, is delighted to welcome the first recipient of its Tourism Management degree to the UK�s headquarters this summer.
A key part of Virgin Holidays� CSR programme is its continued commitment to development in the Caribbean through the region�s Hotel Association; donating scholarships worth over US$30,000 to eligible applicants. The scholarship is aimed at Caribbean nationals who have the drive and ability to reach senior levels within the industry but who are lacking the resources to get the necessary education and training.
Last year�s recipient Rhozi Kelly-Ann Williams from Dominica will be spending six weeks at Virgin Holidays gaining an insight into all aspects of the travel industry from a UK perspective.
Rhozi who is studying for a BSc in Travel and Tourism at Florida International University says:
"I�m excited by the opportunity to learn more about the travel industry in the UK and I�d like to give something back to Virgin Holidays which has given me the opportunity to further my education. I�m hoping to put part of my degree course learning into practice."
Virgin Holidays is investing over $100,000 in Caribbean education over the next 5 years by sponsoring three degree students from the region. Each student will study for a tourism management qualification at a leading international university and will have an opportunity to build a prosperous and successful career in tourism.
Amanda Wills, Managing Director of Virgin Holidays comments: "We are delighted to be working alongside the Caribbean Hotel Association in empowering Caribbean nationals to manage their tourism industry. We have an excellent relationship with the destination and the scholarship is the perfect way for us to build on our relationship and continue into a long and successful future. The scholarship allows us to give back that little bit more to the region�s young people and to help build a solid future for the Caribbean."
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Press Enquiries: Virgin Holidays Press Office
01293 744 228/744 261
Notes to Editor�s: Virgin is also the title sponsor of The Caribbean Hotel Association charity golf tournament, being held at CHICH 2006 in Miami.
The aim is to raise further funds for the CHA�s charitable foundation, through which scholarships and special assistance are made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.
PR21 CSR KellyAnn