Essays

NICOYAN JONES, St. Kitts & Nevis – Virgin Holidays Scholar 2009
My passion for the Tourism sector and the pivotal role it plays in the development of my own country, St. Kitts & Nevis and the Caribbean at large informed my decision to seek the support of the CHTA Education Foundation. Quite frankly, without the financial support of the CHTA Education Foundation & Virgin Holidays my dreams of pursuing a Bachelors degree at the University of the West Indies in Tourism management would have either been denied or delayed

My experiences at the University of the West Indies thus far, courtesy of the Virgin Holidays and the CHTAEF, have been nothing short of remarkable. The University of the West Indies is that one institution in the region where a true Caribbean quilt is woven out of many different fabrics from each island. It is the perfect training ground for a degree in Tourism Management. At the core of a thriving and sustainable tourism industry there must be a keen understanding and love of the Caribbean. I have been able to further my understanding as well as intensify my appreciation for the Caribbean and its potential. The regional networks that I have been able to establish across campus have been refreshing; be they with professors, or local organizations. Beyond that, limited opportunities for international cultural exchanges do exist. I intend on applying to the international exchange program in my second academic year of study. It is my hope that the regional networks I’m tapping into and the international opportunities I’m yet to explore will enrich my university experience and eventually my professional ventures in tourism.

With regards to my specific courses, they are mostly foundational courses that are customary at most universities. Classes for this semester include sociology, management of business, information technology, economics and others. These courses illuminate to a large extent how interdisciplinary tourism can be. It is affected by everything and for the Caribbean tourism industry to be truly sustainable, it must consider every factor. Technology has altered and enhanced how we communicate with people near and far. We cannot exclude the technological advances from our tourism efforts if we are to expand markets and the like. The economics class is truly important for it places in perspective the international economic trends that can either derail or contribute to development in the Caribbean. If the current economic crisis has taught us anything it is how an event in the core can affect those on the periphery and also how important it is to ensure our own regional economies are diversified and fiscally sound to cushion such blows. As far as sociology is concerned, it is one of those social sciences that offer rare glimpses into the behavioral evolutions of society. In the Caribbean social development is fundamental to overall development. This reality cannot be kept outside of tourism discussions for tourism isn’t being promoted for tourism sake. It is for development sake. It is for social development sake. These classes do offer critical insight into real life policies and trends that affect tourism and its strengths. Importantly, it is all explored in a Caribbean context.

Upon completion of my program, I aspire to contribute to the Caribbean tourism development in any way possible. The possibilities are endless. Tourism is an industry that is a conduit for creativity, innovation and ingenuity. The industry is not a perfect one but it can always be enhanced and the constant changes of the global system demands that we keep pace.


Written by
Nicoyan Jones

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