A Virgin Islands student is the winner of the 2010 Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Foundation Children’s Essay Contest. Michael D. Vante of St. Thomas won first place in the senior division for his essay on “What can my destination do to become more competitive in the global tourism market?” His essay took top place over numerous entries submitted to FCCA from 19 nations throughout the Caribbean, according to a press release from the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
As the winner in his age group, the 16-year-old Charlotte Amalie student will be awarded a cash scholarship of $3,000 with Charlotte Amalie High School receiving a monetary award of $3,000. Vante is also invited to attend the 2010 FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference in October in the Dominican Republic where he will accept his prize and read his winning essay in front of cruise line executives and tourism officials from throughout the Caribbean.
“Mr. Vante’s essay shows careful research and a keen understanding of what makes a destination appealing to cruise lines and their passengers,” said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “I congratulate Mr. Vante on an excellent job and encourage him to seize every opportunity to further his education and to contribute his knowledge to the benefit of our islands.”
Each year, the department administers the FCCA children’s essay contest and environmental poster contest within the USVI, submitting student entries to FCCA for the regional competitions. “Our students are the future leaders of the V.I. tourism industry, so it’s important to provide opportunities for our youth to learn more about the industry,” said Nicholson-Doty.
The FCCA is a trade organization composed of 15 member cruise lines operating within Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters. The foundation provides a vehicle for its members to fund projects throughout the region, including the annual children’s essay and environmental poster contests.