SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico:--- Having raised $1,396,150 in scholarship funds for Caribbean youth seeking to continue their education since its inception, the non-profit Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Education Foundation has put out a plea to hoteliers, airlines and other stakeholders in the region to support the initiative by donating stays for the highly visible Caribbean Auction at The New York Times Travel Show. There is only one week remaining to sign up, so please send in the donation form by Feb. 15 or contact the foundation for more info.The Education Foundation's single largest annual fundraising activity, the Caribbean Auction attracts thousands of affluent eyeballs as New York City's most avid travelers research and bid on the Caribbean resort and tourism-related prizes available at the silent charity auction. With the support of hoteliers, airlines and tourism partners, the Education Foundation plans to increase its total contribution to the education of Caribbean nationals beyond $1.5 million.
"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 in the long run," said Tom Pas, chairman of the Education Foundation.
"But with more than 18,000 consumers and retail agents attending The New York Times Travel Show annually, its also an impactful promotional vehicle," added Pas, noting that many tech-saavy 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."
The Education Foundation expanded last year's fundraising efforts by including additional auctions items beyond Caribbean hotel and resort stays. The move resulted in a frenzy of interest from consumers who were able to bid on air tickets and attractions, as well as an air-inclusive London vacation contributed by Virgin Holidays.
"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."
Click here for the donation form or contact the CHTA Education Foundation for more info. Learn more about the foundation's mission, projects and accomplishments at www.chtaeducationfoundation.com.
About the CHTA Education Foundation:
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$1.25 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.
For more information www.chtaeducationfoundation.com.
