Suriname’s International Hospitality & Tourism College (IHTC) marked a key milestone in talent development for the nation’s hospitality and tourism sector earlier this week, holding its 2026 Graduation Ceremony at the iconic Torarica Royal Ballroom to award diplomas to 18 newly graduated students.
Of the 18 graduates, 12 completed the full four-year curriculum to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management, while six successfully obtained their Associate Degree. All six Associate Degree recipients plan to continue their academic studies at IHTC to pursue their full bachelor’s qualification in the coming years.
The ceremony drew a diverse cross-section of attendees, including the graduating cohort, their family members, IHTC faculty and administrative staff, and senior representatives from both public sector bodies and private hospitality and tourism enterprises across Suriname. In her opening address to the gathering, IHTC Director Chantal Kartaram offered a reflective perspective on the core purpose of vocational higher education, arguing that learning extends far beyond accumulating technical knowledge or earning a formal credential. “Education must also transform you as a person,” Kartaram said. “In the end, success is measured not only by what you have achieved, but by who you have become along your journey.”
Torarica Holding, the event’s headline sponsor, played a central role in bringing the 2026 ceremony to life. Dave Boucke, CEO of Torarica Holding, addressed the graduates, extending congratulations and formally extended an invitation to bachelor’s degree recipients to explore career opportunities with the company as they launch their professional paths. Boucke also presented the college’s annual Award for Outstanding Professional Performance to the top-performing graduate of the cohort.
Egon von Foidl, Managing Partner of Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo and Chair of the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA), led the presentation of Associate Degrees to the six junior graduates. The partnership between IHTC and Marriott is already deeply integrated into the college’s curriculum: many current IHTC students complete structured work placements at the Marriott property during their studies, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry practice from the earliest stages of their education.
Representing the national public sector, Liola Tamin, Director of Tourism at Suriname’s Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT), delivered the Bachelor Degree diplomas to the 12 graduating seniors. IHTC leadership emphasized that the college’s longstanding collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders has created expanding, tangible career pathways for graduates. Beyond entry-level roles across the country’s hospitality sector, several graduates have already received job offers to contribute to tourism policy development at the national level, supporting the government’s push to grow Suriname’s tourism economy.
A unique longstanding tradition of IHTC’s annual graduation ceremony sets the event apart from most higher education graduation celebrations: all planning and on-site execution is led by first- and second-year IHTC students. Working as part of their Event Planning and Protocol coursework, students take charge of every step of the process, from securing sponsorships and logistics coordination to final on-day execution. For the students, the ceremony doubles as a hands-on practical assessment that lets them apply the event management skills they learn in class to a large-scale, high-stakes public event.
The 2026 ceremony was made possible by support from a wide network of industry partners. Beyond Torarica Holding’s donation of the venue, local firms including Celestial Decor and Celestique Decor handled event styling, TCF Productions managed professional photography and videography, Sancesy Seafood and Grill sponsored catering for snacks and water, King’s Drankenpaleis provided soft drinks and champagne, and Made for You operated a custom photo booth for guests. Live music was performed by Jihreni Adam and her brother, while IHTC alumnus and current faculty member Robin Hermelijn delivered a spoken-word performance to open the formal program.
Beyond celebrating the achievement of 18 emerging professionals, the 2026 IHTC Graduation Ceremony highlighted the success of a collaborative model that aligns higher education, private industry, and government to build a new generation of skilled talent for Suriname’s growing hospitality and tourism sector.