Junior Minister of Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro has announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands will be covering the cost for the first 1,000 persons who register for the Tourism Certification Training Programme.

Honourable de Castro said this is to ensure that persons take full advantage of the training.

She added, “This is your Government honoring our promise to invest in our people, while ensuring that we prioritise the safety of our Territory and guest as we engage our reopening strategy.”

The Junior Minister and champion for the programme said, “In preparation for the December reopening of our tourism sector, we are happy to announce that the HLSCC Tourism Certification Training Programme which will establish the benchmark standards for industry personal providing service to guests in the new regular has commenced.”

The Tourism Certification Training was launched on October 9 and will be offered through the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The programme was developed under the internationally recognised certification “START”- the Skills, Task, and Results Training under the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

The course covers 12 of the major line-level positions in the hospitality industry and teaches the skills and tasks necessary to do each job. In addition, the student also learns about other areas including the lodging industry, guest service, professionalism and safety.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Photo 1:2- Junior Minister for Toursim, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro speaking to the inaugural class.

Photo 2:2- Junior Minister for Toursim, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro