Educators Challenged to Train Students to Meet Needs of High Standard Global Travelers

Educators participated in the program dubbed “Global Education: A Mindset Reset” that concluded on Friday at the Courtyard Marriott on West Bay Street.

“It is vital for educators to dispel the notion that the industry is one of last resort, but rather convey that it is one in need of highly skilled leaders and workers. As educators you have the tools to empower our youth and to direct those who are so inclined to the tourism sector,” said Beneby.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders remain committed to this professional development enterprise. The benefits of this program are surmountable. It is safe to say that programs such as these are critical to the success of the nation’s leading industry.”

She implored participants to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities afforded to them throughout the course of the week to empower themselves to empower the youth.

The internship program is as a result of a partnership among the Ministry of Education, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, the Ministry of Tourism and the University of The Bahamas. The initiative was designed to afford educators a hands-on experience in the tourism field in an effort to enhance classroom delivery.

Carlton Russell, president of the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association, urged participants to take advantage of the experience.

Russell noted that the tourism industry is the second-highest source of employment, after the government; it employs approximately 9,000 individuals.

“It is our bread and butter. Without tourism we will die,” said Russell.

“These are the opportunities that encourage experimentation; that encourage us to engage in strategies that expose and engage us with all of the possibilities of which we can conceive and dream in our classrooms,” said Dr. Linda Davis, University of The Bahamas (UB) provost.

Host properties in this year’s program included Ardastra Gardens and Zoo Conservation Centre, Atlantis Paradise Island, British Colonial Hotel, Comfort Suites, Powerboat Adventures and The Warwick Paradise Island.

Published in The Nassau Guardian
July 2, 2018