A young Caribbean student is on her way to university in the United Kingdom with generous help from a scholarship from Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Nineteen year-old Amy Thompson, who has been learning the ropes of the hospitality industry over the past few months at the popular Cayman Islands hotel, will receive US $8,000 per year to study hospitality management at Britain's University of Portsmouth over the next four years.
"Working alongside (General Manager) Mr. Tom Mason as well as many magnificent staff members here is a great experience," said Thompson.
Tom Mason affirmed Amy Thompson was an ideal candidate to sponsor to enhance the talent pool of the hospitality industry in the Cayman Islands. "We're not a large hotel with a significant budget, but we take the Choice Hotels mantra to heart. We want people to feel welcome, wanted and respected. That goes for our associates, business partners, as well as our guests. Managers at Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach encourage employees to aim high and achieve their potential."
"The knowledge I have gained from working at Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is opening doors for my future. I do recommend more Caymanians get involved with the tourism industry. It's the main income here for the Cayman Islands, so why not be a part of something big like that?" she reasoned.
Thompson revealed that the experienced general manager had dispensed solid advice to prepare for her post secondary education. "To always keep my head up, keep strong. I'm going away not only to represent my country, but also Comfort Suites," said Thompson who has gained a well-rounded experience at the hotel - at the front desk, housekeeping, finance and in sales.
Thompson's tuition is also being funded by the Cayman Islands' Department of Tourism and the Insurance Managers Association of Cayman.
Expecting to return with a university degree, the young Caymanian is already looking forward to where her studies will take her: "I know I'm going to miss home. But perhaps someday, I can take what I've learned inside the hotel and at university to work for the Comfort brand overall or even Choice Hotels to help continue to make them leaders in the hospitality industry."
Thompson is guaranteed employment for one year at Comfort Suites where she expects to hone her career skills. "Comfort Suites is a good hotel to stay at because, we have one of the world's best general managers. He makes sure all his staff members' and guests' needs are met."
Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach is a recently renovated all-suite hotel, featuring modern room categories, from standard and deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, as well as a master suite.
All studios have beautiful island views and include mini-refrigerators, microwaves, cutlery and coffee machines. Some suites feature fully equipped kitchens with stoves and dishwashers.
The Comfort Suites hotel in Grand Cayman offers easy access to the George Town area, its financial district, the Caymana Bay offices, and easy walking distance to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, entertainment, leisure activities, and duty-free shopping. Business travelers welcome enjoy conveniences.
