The inaugural Young Australians Tourism Association (YATA) Scholarship was awarded to Brett Bylsma, of Tourism Western Australia, on Wednesday 12th July 2006. The function was held at Perth’s Duxton Hotel and attended by over 40 representatives from YATA and the WA tourism industry.

As the Scholarship winner, Brett travelled to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart in Hong Kong, September 12-15th 2006, to partake in work experience.
Brett was thrilled to be selected and commented ”I am really excited to be given this opportunity to gain international work experience and be a positive ambassador for YATA and Western Australian tourism”.

As part of the scholarship submissions, applicants were asked to explain the importance of China as a tourism market to Western Australia and describe how international work experience in Hong Kong would benefit their career goals.

Brett was one of three finalists who were shortlisted to be interviewed by the judging panel. The other finalists, both students, were Katherine Ferguson, Murdoch University and Indira Losada-Rodriguez, Curtin University. Each finalist was also presented with a complimentary stay at the Novotel Vines Resort.

YATA has joined forces with Singapore Airlines and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Young Tourism Professional Program to offer this scholarship.