Continuing customer service training in St. Kitts-Nevis builds human capacity and enhances tourism product
Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 21, 2019 (SKNIS): In order to develop the country’s human capital and further enhance the country’s tourism product, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism will continue its customer service training for all who work on the frontlines of tourism.
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, mentioned the training during his remarks at the 2019 Tourism Experience Awards held at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel on May 18. He noted that providing excellent customer service is crucial to the country’s tourism product.
“Continued customer service is key. Those persons operating on the front lines of tourism are the ones who create a world class experience for our visitors,” he said.
Minister Grant stated that 2019 will be the fifth consecutive year both entities will conduct the training.
The minister said that in two weeks they will be partnering with the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) to provide training to security staff of the airport and of the sea port.
The training will focus on service attitude and communication and soft skills that are a necessary in the industry.
Training will be provided for nontraditional services providers including aloe rub vendors, bartenders, servers, primate petting, craft vendors and hair braiders.
2018 marked the fourth year of annual training with sessions held in June and July attracting over 120 participants. Certified taxi operator refresher training courses with some 194 participants were also conducted.
The tourism minister stated that “tourism is a lucrative industry that is known for its capacity to create jobs and improve the standard of living for nationals.”
“Over the past four years, we have focused on building wealth and have been successful in creating opportunities for our nationals,” said Minister Grant, adding that in addition to developing frontline employees in the sector, his ministry has trained some 201 individuals to become certified taxi operators.