Tourism Students Play Tourists

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis–Forty Grade-Six Introduction to Tourism students from St. Thomas and VOJN Primary Schools last week enjoyed a fun-packed, educational outing to Reggae Beach in St. Kitts to experience our hospitality as tourists in their own country.

There was excitement as they boarded the Sea Bridge to cross the channel to Major’s Bay, free of charge, thanks to Captain Jones and his Crew. They interacted with the other passengers, exchanging information about where they were from and the various activities available.

A couple of hours on Reggae Beach saw the students enjoying games of cricket, soccer, Frisbee and, of course, play in the water. Teachers got into the act, too; one even allowing himself to be “buried alive” in the sand. Time to work up a good appetite for lunch!

The Spice Mill’s owner, Roger Brisbane, and his staff had prepared the children’s favorite foods – cheeseburgers, chicken fingers and hot dogs, all served with fries – for a sit-down lunch where table manners were de rigueur. Wisely, he had closed the restaurant to the public for the day. The students appreciated the high level of customer service where their every wish was a command.

Returning to Nevis, the “tourists” were unanimous: We have an exceptional tourism product to offer! They are well aware of the demands of sustainable tourism through careful use and protection of our natural resources, even as we build our infrastructure, accommodations and attractions to enhance future development. They look eagerly to the career choices the tourism sector offers.

As an integral part of the Social Studies curriculum, Introduction to Tourism is taught in all the Primary Schools, based on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Training Modules, by Deborah Lellouch, Contract Teacher, Vanessa Webbe, Education Officer, and staff members at the Ministry of Tourism.