197 Saint Lucian Hospitality Professionals Receive Training with CHTA Education Foundation
RODNEY BAY, Saint Lucia – Ahead of the upcoming tourism season, 197 hospitality professionals in Saint Lucia participated in two weeks of Caribbean Supercharged Service Training from the CHTA Education Foundation (CHTAEF).
The Education Foundation’s training program included dynamic practical workshops covering supercharged service, food knowledge, safe and eco-smart housekeeping, and positive supervisory skills.
In attendance with proud participants at Friday’s celebration at The Harbor Club were Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Minister of Tourism Dr., the Hon. Ernest Hilaire, Minister of Education & Vocational Training Hon. Shawn A. Edward, Minister of Youth Development Hon. Kenson Casimir, along with representatives from the Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA), the Education Foundation, Sponsor – Tourism Enhancement Fund, Supporting Partners and Property/ Business Managers.
“While Saint Lucians are warm and naturally nice, it is still necessary to finesse skills to remain cutting edge and innovative,” Tourism Minister Hilaire noted in his remarks. “I want to applaud the work of the SLHTA for organising this training to enhance the professionalism of our stakeholders.”
Prime Minister Pierre stated that Saint Lucia’s “service delivery standards must be global and world class. The importance of those who work in the industry cannot be underestimated. Having good infrastructure is necessary but you, the workers on the front line are why visitors return.”
Chair of the Education Foundation, Karolin Troubetzkoy, who is also co-owner of the award-winning luxury property Jade Mountain, was enthusiastic about the number of participants.
“We are all ambassadors for Saint Lucia, and every single one of you plays a pivotal role in making our island an outstanding and desirable destination,” she told the gathering. “Whether you’re setting a table or setting an example, you’re contributing to the reputation that sets Saint Lucia apart in the world stage. Never underestimate the importance of your own role in achieving the overall reputation of our destination.” Troubetzkoy also thanked the Education Foundation’s Supporting Partner Sandals Foundation, who sponsored the daily transportation for a total of 76 participants from the South of the island.
Paul Collymore, President of the SLHTA called the training “extraordinary”, adding that hospitality employees are “a crucial pillar of our dynamic industry. Your commitment to professional growth and the pursuit of excellence is truly commendable. This training program, executed through the collaborative efforts of SLHTA and CHTAEF, has exemplified the power of partnership and regional cooperation. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsor and local partners who have made this event possible. It is through the collective efforts of organizations and individuals who believe in the value of continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence that we have been able to offer this exceptional training opportunity.”
Training was made possible by Sponsor – the Tourism Enhancement Fund and local Supporting Partners: Bay Gardens Marina Haven, Coco Palm Resort, The Landings Resort & Spa, The Harbor Club and Sixt Car Rentals.
Donette Ismael, Program Manager of Sponsor, the Tourism Enhancement Fund said the organization was proud “to have been part of this incredible initiative. We firmly believe that investing in your growth and development is an investment in the future success of Saint Lucia’s tourism sector. I must also acknowledge and commend the exceptional training abilities and hard work of Louise (John) and Suzanne (Shillingford-Brooks). Your commitment and passion for this program have been truly inspiring. The rave reviews from the participants are a testament to your outstanding efforts.”
The CHTAEF, established in 1986, has a mission to uplift the Caribbean’s hospitality and tourism industry personnel and students pursuing careers in tourism. The non-profit has evolved to include programs that develop, upskill, re-energize and re-engage the sectors professionals. Through initiatives such as the Saint Lucia training, more than 1,750 managers, supervisors & team members have been trained across the region in the last two years. The charity has also awarded over US$2.5 million in scholarships and grants.
Learn more about the Education Foundation, its scholarships and training programs at www.chtaef.com and the SLHTA at www.slhta.com.
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About CHTAEF
The CHTA Education Foundation is an independent regional charity established in 1986 with a mandate to improve and elevate the quality and professionalism of the hospitality and tourism industry in the Caribbean through education and training. The Education Foundation has supported various scholars in their pursuit of academic and technical qualifications and partnered to deliver various on-island training workshops where we enjoy engaging with diverse hospitality & tourism professionals in a lively manner. Follow CHTAEF on Facebook @CHTAEducation Foundation, Instagram @chtaef and Twitter @CHTAEduFound.
