An Antigua and Barbuda tourism body is planning to offer training to a wide range of people working in the tourism and hospitality industries in a bid to raise the level of service for holidaymakers.
Taxi drivers, hotel workers, street vendors, customs and immigration staff – even people working in shops and banks who are likely to come into contact with tourists – will be eligible for the training scheme.
The training will focus primarily on customer service and will be provided through the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute.
In some cases training will be compulsory. Antigua and Barbuda minister for tourism and environment Molwyn Joseph said:”Taxi drivers will not be able to get their permits renewed unless they prove they have attended a course.”
Antigua also launched a beautification programme late last year that will continue into this year, designed to improve the appearance of the island.
Joseph said: “Trees and flowers are being planted all over Antigua and the sides of all roads are being systematically cleared. We want people to remember how pretty and clean Antigua is after their visit.”
The island’s heritage and history provides another focus for 2000.
New tourist attractions will include the $4m renovation of Betty Hope’s plantation, the location of the only working sugar mill in the Caribbean and the first seat of government for Antigua and Barbuda.
“We want to give visitors to Antigua a chance to learn about our history,” said Joseph.