Hundreds of tourism workers participating in the COVID-19 workshop at at the Wildey Gymnasium. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Hundreds of tourism workers flocked to the Wildey Gymnasium today to get first-hand information on COVID-19 protocols specific to their sector.

Chief Product Development Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Marsha Alleyne, said approximately 500 persons signed up for the morning session, which catered to housekeepers, operators of single home rental properties, spa staff, gardeners, public facility cleaners and maintenance workers. 

The afternoon session was attended by almost 200 transportation operators who work in the tourism industry.

Mrs. Alleyne said the attendees were extremely encouraged by the sensitisation workshop, which covered key areas such as cleaning, the correct use of personal protective equipment, and the basics on how to contain the spread of the infectious virus.

“The comments that people came out with were very complimentary. There were loads of questions, so the sessions did go over.

People were really genuinely interested in knowing how they could protect themselves and how they can protect visitors. I think by and large Barbadians are anxious to get back out to work, especially in the tourism sector. I saw some very happy persons ready to go back out there and give of their best because we know that the number one resource in this island is our human resources, and I saw people from all walks of the industry ready and willing to go back out there and give of their very best,” she emphasised.

The Chief Product Development Officer said a collaborative approach was taken to craft the industry’s protocols, as she underscored it was critical for tourism players to have a say in the process.

“What we wanted to do was ensure persons within the various sectors had opportunities to critique the draft protocols and weigh in…. We had a very large collaborative effort with both the private and public sector to ensure that the protocols which were finalised had input from all the relevant sectors, including the labour movement and health authorities,” she stated.

The BTMI’s COVID-19 Protocols Sensitisation Workshops continue tomorrow from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. for front of house staff, receptionists, guest services and customer experience representatives, as well as persons who work in attractions, conference facilities, bars and restaurants.

The afternoon session, which is scheduled to run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., caters to water sports, jet ski and leisure craft operators, beach vendors and life guards.

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest