Two tertiary students have each received a $4500 boost to help them complete their final year of study and prepare for
their prospective careers in the tourism industry.
The recipients of the 2021 Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Academic Scholarship were announced at this week’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Wellington.
The scholarships, managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), were awarded to:Alexia Williams, New Zealand School of TourismSophie Galletly, WelTec
The scholarships, which have been on offer each year since 2015, are open to young New Zealanders about to commence
their final year of tertiary study in a tourism-related course in 2021.
Valued at $4500 each, the scholarships comprise a $2500 payment towards the recipient’s final year of study in a
tourism-related tertiary course, along with attendance at Tourism Summit Aotearoa. The recipients also attend a TIA
hosted development and networking day with Wellington-based tourism operators and organisations, a TIA mentor, and
continued support from TIA post-study to encourage industry engagement.
Alexia and Sophie were both present at the Summit to receive their scholarships from TINZT Chair Gráinne Troute, who is
also TIA Chair.
“The importance of attracting and retaining a strong and capable workforce has never been more important to the tourism
industry,” says Ms Troute. “I’m honoured to have awarded this scholarship to such smart young Kiwis. It gives me faith
in the sustainable future of the industry.”
“These academic scholarships are an important way of reinforcing to some incredible young talent that tourism still
offers fantastic job opportunities. The prize will help kick-start their careers.”
Ms Troute says the scholarships attracted applications from students all over the country. Shortlisted candidates were
interviewed by a Scholarship Panel before the two winners were selected.
“This year’s scholarships were hotly contested, but our two winners stood out as having the academic and personal
qualities our industry is seeking. They both demonstrated an excellent understanding of the industry and will be
outstanding ambassadors for the TINZT scholarship programme. We look forward to welcoming them to the industry when they
graduate next year.”About the winners
Alexia Williams (Tainui, Ngati Tamainupo)
Alexia Williams of Cambridge is studying towards a Tourism and Travel Diploma at the New Zealand School of Tourism.
Having spent several years involved in local community organisations like Kōhanga Reo, Alexia is approaching tourism
well-grounded in kaupapa Māori and aspires to use these skills in her future career in the industry.
Sophie Galletly
Sophie Galletly of Upper Hutt is studying towards a Diploma in Tourism Travel at WelTec. Despite only finishing college
last year she has extended her record of achievement, topping her current cohort and earning a place amongst the highest
achieving students of the past five years.
The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust was established in 2007 for charitable purposes.
Its focus is twofold:The education of people involved in the New Zealand tourism industry and the education of New Zealanders about tourismThe fostering and promotion of a tourism industry in New Zealand, based on the sustainable use and preservation of the
country’s natural assets
The TINZT grants programme is open to associations, companies and individuals for projects or ideas that will further
the Trust’s aims and criteria. Applications can be made at any time. Visit the TINZT website for details: https://tinzt.org.nz/.
The Trust is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).