Residents of the Virgin Islands can now be internationally certified in all levels of hospitality training following the launch of the Tourism Certification Training Programme.

The programme is collaboration between the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), BVI Tourist Board and the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro said, “Persons who will register for this certification, will benefit from the training, not only in the safety and security of themselves but also that of visitors; thereby helping us to create an overall positive experience for the Territory’s guests.”

Honourable de Castro added that this kind of investment in the Territory’s service providers is in line with the Government’s commitment to developing the Territory’s human resource.

“We want to make sure that our people are trained, qualified and ready to perform at the highest possible standard and capacity,” she said.

 The Junior Minister added that the initiative is a crucial step in establishing a good first impression of the British Virgin Islands as its frontline personnel will become better equipped to offer the authentic BVILOVE experience.

Honourable de Castro while speaking about the timeliness of the training said the Government of the Virgin Islands understands that considerable challenges remain ahead, especially with the unknown duration of the pandemic and the global travel restrictions.  She said Government is mindful that as part of its preparedness, a wide range of measures must be implemented to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and its partners.

The Junior Minister also outlined the Government’s commitment to the survival of the industry during the COVID-19 era.

 “This is us “putting our money where our mouth is” as proven by our promise to cover the cost for persons who will sign up for this training programme,” she stated, adding, “In this vain, I also want to take this opportunity to remind our tourism partners that we are committed to making sure that we work to prevent any further COVID-19 outbreak and to stimulate the recovery of our tourism sector.”

The Tourism Certification Training programme was launched on October 9 and will be offered through the Territory’s accredited 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 learns about areas including the lodging industry, guest service, professionalism and safety.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Photos-Highlights from the launch of the Tourism Certification Training Programme.