BTMI trains tour guides on improving service, tourism awareness

he Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has completed its community tourism and tour guide training courses, aimed at enhancing service quality and tourism awareness.

A brief ceremony was recently held to present certificates of achievement to participants who successfully completed the rigorous training sessions. The primary objective of the programme was to equip participants with essential skills in service quality and tourism awareness. The tour guide training initiative, in particular, is designed to develop a proficient cadre of tour guides who can effectively support the BTMI and other stakeholders whenever needed.

“At the BTMI, we understand that the reason our visitors keep returning to our shores is because of the warmth and hospitality of our Barbadians. We are thrilled to see such a passionate and dedicated group of individuals complete the tour guide training programme,” said Marsha Alleyne, chief product development officer at BTMI.

“Their commitment to excellence in service quality and tourism awareness is inspiring, and we are confident that they will significantly enhance the tourism experience in Barbados. Our ongoing efforts to develop skilled tour guides are vital to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage, and we look forward to the positive impact these graduates will make.”

Conducted in collaboration with the Department of History at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill and facilitated by Dr Henderson Carter, the tour guide training programme spanned two cohorts from September to October 2023. It attracted a diverse group of participants, including individuals from Worrells Tour Guiding Company, the Archives Department, the St Andrew Independence Committee, Codrington College, Culture Tours, the Moravian Church, UWI, and various independent participants.

The comprehensive training emphasised the importance of knowledgeable and passionate tour guides who can effectively communicate the rich historical, anecdotal, and geographical narratives of Barbados. While historical expertise is not a prerequisite, a fervent interest in tour guiding and storytelling is essential.

The six-day course covered a wide range of crucial topics, including: communication skills; conducting guided tours on a bus; presenting information in a chronological order; effective body language; and first aid training.

The BTMI said the next cohort for the tour guide training programme is scheduled for August this year.

(PR)