Eighty-two Barbadian hospitality professionals have completed training provided by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF).
They were recognised last Thursday evening, while at Island Inn, the local sponsor, for their successful completion of a variety of “intense” one-day workshops, which were part of the Caribbean Supercharged Service Training sponsored by the Sandals Foundation.
The four days of workshops were conducted by Louise John and Suzanne Shillingford-Brooks of Talkabout-EarthSolutions, and participants engaged in three highly interactive courses: Food Knowledge Reimagined; Delicious Descriptive Language; and The Magic of Hospitality – When to Fit-In & When to Stand-Out, and Customer Ambassadors.
The sessions were designed to elevate guest interactions, from growing culinary knowledge to enhancing descriptive language in food services. Newer team members learned how to perfect the balance between standing out and blending in within the hospitality environment, and more seasoned professionals delved into creating a more relevant approach within the lobby area.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Francine Blackman, congratulated the successful training participants.
“Today, we celebrate not only your successful completion of training, but we also express our gratitude for your involvement in the tourism industry at this crucial juncture in Barbados’ development as a whole, and in Barbados as a tourist destination. The present pipeline for tourism development is brimming with enthusiasm, offering a future that is not just affluent but also varied and vibrant.
“This training hosted by the CHTA Education Foundation recognises the need to rebuild capacity within the sector to ensure that those important workers who chose to remain and those new entrants are equipped with the tools to continue to provide exceptional service to our guests,” Ms. Blackman stated.
The newest Trustee of the Education Foundation, Patricia Affonso-Dass, also congratulated the participants and encouraged them to apply their newfound skills.
“What an amazing industry we are privileged to be part of. I know you were challenged, thought deeply, and now have a clearer understanding of everyone’s different expectations of us as their Happiness Magicians when they vacation with us.
“On behalf of the Education Foundation, I would like to recognise, salute and thank The Sandals Foundation, an Education Foundation strategic partner, and the sponsor of the workshops this week in Barbados. Sandals Foundation, and partners like them, are invaluable to our efforts and allow us to make the programmes that we offer available to a greater number of our industry’s valued team members,” Ms. Affonso-Dass said.
Sandals Foundation representative, Resort Manager Sandals Barbados and Royal Barbados, John Patrick Drake, spoke about the benefit of training.
He said: “No matter the area in hospitality and tourism, skills development remains the best investment one can make. That is why the Sandals Foundation was keen on once again coming on board as partners in this year’s event. Workshops, such as the CHTA Education Foundation’s Caribbean Supercharged Service workshops, provide innovative strategies, tools, and knowledge that can help us all move with the tide. I urge you all to attend further workshop opportunities and apply for scholarships.”
Cristal Scantlebury, a participant of the training from Port St Charles said she enjoyed training and learning alongside colleagues from other properties. “I have made a promise to practise clear communication daily, to be a positive spark, and most importantly, to be kind. A small word we often overlook.”
The 82 Barbadian professionals, who participated in the training, represented a wide range of sectors. This included 14 hotels, ranging from moderate to luxury establishments and global brands, as well as 15 restaurants set in diverse locations.
For more information about the Education Foundation’s training and scholarship programmes, visit chtaef.com.