Two Students Received the Bonaire Tourism Scholarship Awards for 2024-2025

Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) announces that two students, Tharia Phelipa and Barbara Boezem, have been selected as the newest recipients of the Bonaire Tourism Scholarship Program for the academic year 2024-2025. These scholarships will support their education and future contributions to Bonaire’s tourism sector.

Tharia Phelipa, born and raised on Bonaire, will pursue a Master’s Degree in Tourism, Culture, and Society at Erasmus University Rotterdam. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, Tharia is passionate about integrating cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. She expressed her dedication to her island, stating: “My goal is to contribute to Bonaire’s sustainable development through tourism, ensuring that it benefits our community while preserving our unique environment and cultural heritage.”

Barbara Boezem, currently enrolled in the Manager in Tourism and Hospitality program at MBO Bonaire, has a strong passion for marketing and social media within the tourism industry. Barbara plans to use her scholarship to further her studies and develop her skills in content creation, with a dream of promoting Bonaire on a larger scale. “Growing up on Bonaire, I’ve been immersed in diverse cultures, which have shaped my passion for beauty, media, and travel. Exploring new places and embracing different cultures excites me, fueling my dream of running a tourism business,” Barbara shared.

TCB and Guardian Group Fatum congratulate Tharia and Barbara for their determination and vision. Their dedication to their studies and commitment to their community reflect the values of the Bonaire Tourism Scholarship Program, positioning them as future leaders in the tourism industry and role models for other students on Bonaire.

The Bonaire Tourism Scholarship Program continues to play a vital role in shaping the island’s tourism future by nurturing local talent, promoting professional growth, and supporting the development of a skilled workforce that will drive the industry forward.

For more information about the scholarship program, please visit www.bonairescholarship.com.