Tourism workers showcase talents

O2 Beach Club & Spa employees got the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial ventures on Friday during an exhibition to commemorate World Tourism Day, internationally recognised on September 27.

Chief people development strategist Brittany Brathwaite said it was a fitting day to highlight the talent of the workers.

“Considering that we are celebrating World Tourism Day, we wanted to execute an initiative that celebrated our team members for the contributions they make to the industry while giving them an opportunity to show what they do in their personal lives,” she said. “We have some of our team members showing their entrepreneurial side here today.”

World Tourism Day activities spread across all three Ocean Hotel properties, including Sea Breeze Beach House and The Rockley Barbados Resort.

“This is a good opportunity for the team members to celebrate each other in different ways,” Brathwaite said adding that guests also participated in the activities.

“Providing opportunities is something that drives the ethos of our business. We are the single most represented group in the Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association’s young leaders forum this year – we have three or four participants from Barbados taking part in the forum. We will continue driving our members and helping them grow,” she said.

There was lots to see at the Dover Road, Christ Church hotel, including a variety of locally produced natural juices and alcohol-flavoured beverages, skincare items, accessories, and sweet treats. Henna art was done upon request.

Two staffers who had their offerings on display, said they were grateful for the opportunity to show a different side of themselves.

Kristina Bowen of Belle Luxe Accessories said: “It feels really good to see the workplace giving the option for staff who have businesses outside of the 9 to 5, to be able to showcase their products. It shows that the company is interested in helping us generate income that is outside of work and it gives us a chance to advertise our products to our colleagues. We feel appreciated and I hope it will be a regular activity that is done and structured around calendar events such as Independence and so on.”

Darrien Toppin of Kaio’s Natural Juices said: “This is a good initiative. It gives an opportunity to network, make sales and learn on ways I can improve my business. It also helps me with my speaking skills as I am a shy person.”

(SZB)