Help CHTA Education Foundation Raise Scholarship Funds for Caribbean Youth at the New York Times Travel Show

Having raised over US$1.6 million in scholarship funds for Caribbean youth since its inception, the non-profit Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) is putting out a plea to hoteliers, airlines and other stakeholders in the region to support the initiative.

CHTAEF is requesting hotel stays and other donations for the highly visible Caribbean Auction at The New York Times Travel Show. All donations must be submitted by November 30, 2012.

As the single largest CHTAEF fundraiser, the Caribbean Auction attracts thousands of affluent eyeballs annually as New York City's most avid travelers research and bid on the Caribbean hotel stays, airfares and attractions.  With the support of hoteliers, airlines and tourism partners, CHTAEF hopes to increase its total contribution to the education of deserving Caribbean nationals to US$2 million in 2013.

"Supporting our human resources by participating in the Caribbean Auction ensures the future sustainability of our tourism and helps to raise living standards across the region," said Tom Pas, Chairman of CHTAEF.

"But with more than 18,000 consumers and retail agents attending The New York Times Travel Show annually, it's also an impactful promotional vehicle," added Pas, noting that many tech-savvy New Yorkers research hotel websites and TripAdvisor reviews on their smart phones before bidding.  "This results in brand recognition and may lead to bookings when determined travelers are outbid."

Over the last couple of years, CHTAEF has expanded its fundraising efforts by including additional auctions items beyond Caribbean resort stays. The move resulted in a frenzy of interest from consumers who were able to bid on air tickets and attractions.

The CHTA Education Foundation's efforts at The New York Times Travel Show in 2012 made it possible for many economically-challenged Caribbean students to pursue the career of their dreams in tourism.

"This year we're accepting donations from a wide variety of partners in order to raise as much as we can to support our beneficiaries," said Pas. "Nothing is too small or insignificant.  Regardless of your business model, you can become a hero to a deserving young professional."

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) was established in 1987 as a stand-alone non-profit / tax-exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism.

As part of its mission, the Education Foundation provides people throughout the Caribbean region with an awareness of the industry's varied career opportunities, as well as technical and professional development. Since 1987, the Education Foundation has awarded over a US$1.6 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry.

The Education Foundation is also active in supporting Haitians students & industry personnel following the earthquake in January 2010 by facilitating a holistic Spoken English/ Practical Hospitality Skills & Academic training project in Port au Prince, leading to Haitian students moving to various Caribbean colleges to study for their Associates and Bachelors degrees, so they'll be able to return home and become major catalysts in the uplift of Haitian tourism.