Today’s report about mandatory tourism awareness training is interesting. Taxi drivers and tour operators are the initial targets, which means participation in the programme can, if necessary, be set as condition for their operational licences issued by Government.
Making it compulsory for others might not be so self-evident, however. Unless employment permits of foreigners are involved, it’s the business or organisation where the people work that most likely will have to require this from its personnel.
But there is probably no reason anybody should refuse such an opportunity to better prepare themselves for their role in the local hospitality sector to begin with. Some may think they don’t need it, but one never ceases to learn and surely a refresher course is in principle always welcome.
The use of a company certified by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to provide the customer service and destination information lessons makes sense, also because the island lost a large number of visitors due to fewer calls by ships in the past year. Thankfully, there was a bit of good news earlier this week that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will increase its passenger numbers for the 2017-2018 season by 15 per cent or 100,000 persons, while Seabourn started home-porting on the island.
Nevertheless, keen attention must continue to be paid so St. Maarten maintains its leading position in the industry despite increasing competition from both within and outside the region. Knowledge is power.
