The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute celebrated the achievements of thirty-one students, some who completed their Associate Degree Program and others, short-courses.
The THTI hosted its graduation ceremony on Wednesday at the Lowlands Multipurpose Facility under the theme “It’s Your Time Now.”
Chairman of the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute Kirton Sorias commended the thirty-one graduates for overcoming obstacles and completing their courses. He boasted that the THTI works hard to promote a culture of hospitality in and out of the classroom.
“At THTI we dont just talk hospitality we live it everyday. We teach service but more than that we teach heart and let me tell alyuh nobody does hospitality with a warm, grace and a soul than us here in sweet Tobago.”
Secretary of Education Zorisha Hackett expressed that the graduation’s theme “It’s your time now” is fitting, as she reminded the graduates that they have the opportunity to change the narrative of hospitality and tourism in Tobago.
“To make it not just about service but about storytelling about innovation about cultural pride and of course about sustainability. It is your time to build world class businesses that carry the flavor and rhythm of a local identity and yet meet international standards of quality and excellence.”
The THTI’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Sonia Phillip also urged the students to celebrate their achievements by being a positive influence.
“The future of hospitality and tourism is bright and you are its future. Embrace the challenges, embrace the victories and never lose sight of the human connection that lies at the heart of what we do.”
The THTI, located in Blenheim Tobago, was founded in 1997 to address the need for trained professionals in the growing tourism and hospitality industries. It is the only hospitality and tourism institute in Trinidad and Tobago accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT).