Essays

Fitus Lavia

My name is Fitus Amos Lavia. A full time student of the University of St. Martin, currently in my final year of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality program at the University of St Martin, which is located in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. I enroll in this program because of my love for the Hospitality industry. Being a caring person, with a passion for working in the tourism and hospitality industry, I was consequently drawn to the hospitality and tourism industry. I am an enormously hardworking person with high self esteem who is devoted to his career.

By enrolling in this program it, has given me the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge in the tourism field. The program is well structured, and has given me the privilege to enhance my knowledge in all areas of the hospitality industry. I have worked at the Sunterra Beach Resort in St. Maarten for nine years, in the food and beverage department, in addition to that I’ve done several practical training at various Hotels/Resort on our beautiful island.

During the year 2007, I spend 2 months in the Nederland’s along with my class mates. There we participated in the HRM (Human Resource Management) program at Hotel School de Hague. Hotel School de Hague is considered to be one of the most popular Hotel Schools in the Nederland’s. Up on completion of the Human Resource Program, in the Nederland, I was awarded a Human Resource Management certificate.

The people of St. Maarten are dependent on tourism; this is where they make their money. That is why it is imperative to have trained and skilled professionals in all areas of the hospitality field, to cater to the needs of tourists. This is especially needed now more than ever, since St Marten has attained separate status, and has become a Country. This will encourage visitors to return to our Country time after time. There is a need for more residences of St. Maarten to apply for managerial positions within the industry; this will enhance the Country’s image. Having a good knowledge of our Country’s culture, and history is important in the tourism filed, as there are times when visitors requires specific information pertaining to our culture and history .

By having a successful program, such as the BSHTM, this can be seen as an asset to the Country of St Martin, and the surrounding islands in the Caribbean. It allows students the opportunity to complete their education locally, which proves to be less expensive, when compared to traveling abroad. It will also be of great benefit to other Caribbean students on the neighboring island, as it offers them a place to come and study close to home.

The program that I am currently enrolled in is the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management, which is being offered in collaboration with CRISISES at the University of the Netherlands Antilles. It is a four year program with a concentration on Hotel and Tourism Management. This program is hosted at the University of St. Martin. The program requires that students in their final year travel to the United States to complete a term (1 semester) at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

The University of St. martin was founded in the year 1989. Our beautiful campus is located in Philipsburg, which is the Capital of St Maarten. During the past 3 years of my career I have enjoyed sharing knowledge, and interacting with students, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. In addition to classroom interaction, I have also build lasting relationships with students and faculty at the University of St. Martin, and as a result, has enhance my life personally and professionally.

The mission of the University of St. Martin is to be committed in offering quality career, and academic education that will provide students with a solid foundation to enter the field of their chosen career, or to pursue further academic studies. Our University is committed to the continuous development of programs that will serve to improve the quality of life for the people of St. Maarten /St. Martin, and the region. The supportive environment and challenging programs that is being offered at the University of St. Martin has helped me, as well as many other students prepare for successful career and responsible lives.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) was founded in 1963,it is the third largest University in the nation. UCF and its 12 colleges provides opportunities to 53,000 students, offering 180 bachelor’s and master’s degree and two dozen doctoral programs. Students come from all 50 States, and many other Countries to participate in the various programs that they offer. In 2007, UCF opened its on-campus football stadium and its basketball arena. In 2008, UCF became the first U.S. Medical School to offer full, four–year scholarships to an entire class.

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida is located in Orlando Florida. It was founded in the year 1983, and has establish a standard of professionalism, leadership, and service excellence for hospitality and tourism services around the world. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is one of the 12 colleges of the UCF. It provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for the management opportunities of today, and the industry challenges of tomorrow by offering several undergraduate programs.

The University of St. Martin has decided to take the initiative to work in collaboration with the University of Central Florida Hospitality Management Program. This is based upon an academic collaboration agreement, UCF-CURISES Program in Hospitality & Tourism Management, with the Curacao institute for Social and Economic Studies (CURISES).

One of the program requirements is that students must complete one semester at a University in the U.S. Therefore I was given the privilege to travel to Orlando Florida, along with my class classmates, to complete that semester, at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The program is comprised of 5 courses (15 credits) intended to enhance our education. As students we were required to follow all program guidelines, and acceptable standards of student conduct, established by the University and their UCF department. This includes registration of courses, and attendance requirements.

The 5 courses are listed as follows:

Catering management: This course provided me with in-depth information pertaining to on–premises catering roles, Organizations and Sales Opportunities, menu planning, sanitation/safety, current trends (product and equipments) and the understanding of connections to other support departments. We were given a tour of the Marriott hotel, and the Orange County Convention Center. This helped us to have a better understanding of the material that was thought in class. We were given the opportunity to ask questions about the daily functions, an activities taking place at the organization.

Destination Management: This course helped me understand the roles of Destination Management Organizations (DMO’s) and Convention Visitors Bureaus (CVB’s) in the Convention tourism industry. All aspects of the Organizations operations were covered in this course, including service, research, product development, human resources, and financial management. This course has helped me to understand the role of the CVB (Convention Visitors Bureau), the importance of a CVB’s marketing plan, and the process involved in branding of a destination. As part of our course schedule, we had the opportunity to visit the OCVB (Orlando Convention Visitors Bureau). They provided us with information in relation to their work, and what it entails. At the OCVB (Orlando Convention Visitors Bureau) visitors can get directions, free maps, and last minute Hotel room availability information, obtain restaurant recommendations, exchange currency, and much more. Visitors can also purchase tickets to attractions, theme parks, and shows in advance. It is fast and very convenient for visitors. This was something very interesting for me, due to the fact that it contributed to the overall promotion of Orlando, thereby encouraging visitors to come to their destination. The staff at the CVB was very friendly and demonstrated excellent customer service skills.

Destination marketing: Details the development of Destination-Oriented Marketing goals and strategies, with an emphasis on integrated destination marketing. It explains the challenges influencing Destination Marketing, we all know that most tourism activities takes place at a Destination, and Destinations forms a pillar in any modeling of the tourism system. Through this course I have learnt that destination competitiveness and attractiveness demand effective and integrative marketing strategies, which are all based on a sound understanding of the market condition. During the duration of this course I have learnt how to apply destination marketing theory to a wide range of case study destinations, our classes include lectures and discussions, web base materials, current event issues, guests speakers, and field trips.

International events: Consists of lectures, posted materials, PowerPoint presentations, and guest’s speakers. It has help me to understand the elements of culture in relations to international events, marketing and the importance of demographics in relation to international events, and it also the elements of contracts, and legal issues in relation to international events. Our professor provided us with information on some of the latest technological products that are being used in today’s competitive environment.

Restaurant Financial Analysis: This course has increased my knowledge and given me a better understanding of financial accounting. I now possess the knowledge to draw useful information from financial statements, thereby allowing me to be able to make better decisions, in my personal, as well as my professional life. Some of the topics that were covered in this course includes, Cash flows, Current market value, and Average annual growth rate. This is the type of information used by accountants, and financial experts in the real world. The information that was shared, during the duration of this course has equipped me with the tools that is necessary to ask insightful questions of experts, to engage them and colleagues in thoughtful debates about financial and accounting issues, and to make better decisions as a manager.

Classes were held five times per week, and there were several field trips arranged for each course, in order to complement the learning process. Some of these field trips include visits to large Convention Centers, International exhibitions at the Hilton Orlando, and a tour of the Peabody Hotel in Orlando. During these field trips we were able to see the latest products and services that organizations has to offer to consumers. During our tours at the various organizations we had the opportunity to meet with the CEO of these organizations, and ask questions pertaining to the daily functions and activities taking place within the establishment, and any other questions we may have had. This has helped me tremendously to have a better understanding of the course material that was discussed in the classroom.

My professors were all professionals, and equipped with a wealth of experienced. They were instrumental in sharing the contents of each course with us, at an exceptionally high standard. In addition to this, they provided us with feedback on individual or group project in a timely manner. I am thankful to all my professors for the contribution they have made and the knowledge they have impart unto me, during my semester at the University of Central Florida.

Orlando is where the fun begins and the action never ends. Orlando is best known for its first rate- attractions: It is home to seven of the world’s top 20 theme parks, and more than 100 attractions. Orlando is where adults and kids alike will revel in the excitement of the many entertainment, an attraction that is being offered. There are a large variety of special shows, parades, and high tech firework displays that accompanies the theme-park experience.

Our class had the opportunity to visit some of these exciting venues, such as the Epcot Center, and downtown Disney. We were able to experience the different types of cultural activities taking place such as the Broadway shows, Musical performances, Film festivals, and a wide selection of Restaurants from, casual to upscale.

Orlando has approximately 300 days of sunshine each year, an average annual temperature in the mid-70’s, there always something for everyone to do, whether you are looking to reconnect with your friends, family, or commune with nature under the Florida sun.

Central Florida is a popular destination for fun, entertainment, and relaxation. It is known as the best vacation spot in the world. It is famous for theme parks, and offers a variety of vacation options as well such as, Golden beaches with crystal clear water, scenic nature preserve filled with rare species of wild life, golf courses, high energy spectators and participatory sports, unique cultural, educational, and historical attractions ;out of this world technology, antique and boutique shopping, unsurpassed nightly entertainment options, and a wide range of restaurants and dining options, all this and more has created the world’s most amazing vacation in Orlando.

During my visits to the UCF main campus I observed that there were a greater variety of extra-curricular activities available on this campus. This I found to be very interesting, due to the fact that all this was done by the students, with the assistant of their professors. At these events there were many activities and career materials available to students, to assist them in their chosen career filed. The staff at the UCF main campus were always friendly and displays good customer service skills to all. Overall I would say that the experience is something worth remembering.

This semester would not have been possible, without the help that was rendered to me by Ms. Musi, and the C.H.T.A. Foundation & FirstCaribbean International Bank. I would like to say a special thank you to Ms. Musi, for her assistants, and kind words of encouragement, which has enable me to come one step closer to achieving my goal. Once again I would like extend my sincere gratitude to the CHTA Education Foundation & FirstCaribbean for their contribution, and for assisting me during a very challenging time in my career, for this I will always be eternally grateful.

My long term goal is to use the knowledge gained at the University of Central Florida, to help make a difference in the hospitality, and tourism sector in St. Maarten, and the International community. I took the initiative to pursue a degree in tourism management, hoping to make a difference in the restaurant industry in St Maarten. My intention is to add my own personal touch to the reputation that the country of St. Maarten has made in the world of gastronomic tourism. The knowledge that I have gain, will also be put to good use during the final 5 months of my course, for my internship. This will be done by coming up with new strategies, as well as a competitive analysis, for the organization where I will be doing my internship. This experience has helped me to see life from a different perspective, and has thought me how to deal with challenging issues that we are confronted with, in today’s tourism industry. It has thought me that communication is the key element, in building lasting relationships in today’s competitive environment.

For more information please contact: foundation@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com