Bahamahost Summer Graduation Ceremony
On Tuesday, June 21st, 2016, the Ministry of Tourism’s Training and Education Unit held its semi-annual Bahamahost Graduation Ceremony under the theme “Opening Minds to Open Doors”.
The ceremony was held in recognition of the successful completion of the six-week comprehensive tourism industry training program by the 300 graduate cohort comprised of Public Service Drivers, Tour Operators and Students.
Karenda Swain, Assistant Manager for Training and Education, who also serves as a Senior Trainer for the program, shared that, “The Ministry of Tourism is honored to be a part of opening minds for our people so that doors can be opened for them.”
She said, “It is our responsibility to ensure that no participant is left behind”.
Present at the graduation was Harrison Thompson, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism.
In light of the island’s continued economic resurgence, Mr. Thompson pointed out that, “The tourism sector on Grand Bahama is currently experiencing a revitalization with the reopening of closed hotel rooms, new airlift services, product improvement initiatives and new marketing and promotional strategies.”
He added that, “Grand Bahama is poised for complete restoration of its tourism economy, however, it will take persons such as yourselves to take the industry to unprecedented levels of success and sustain it.”
Commenting on the Bahamahost Program’s development, Ian Ferguson, Director for Training and Education advised that, “Since January, we have been able to facilitate a total of four, 80+ hour all intense Basic Tour Guide Training sessions, three in New Providence and one here in Grand Bahama.”
He said, “We are poised to launch and pilot our first Master’s tour guiding program in the third quarter of this year.”
He noted, “Our aim each year is to improve our ability to serve those who serve the industry.”
For more information the Bahamahost Training program visit www.tourismtoday.com/bahamahost-training .
About Bahamahost
Bahamahost is The Ministry of Tourism’s National Training System which prepares persons in the hospitality and service industries to better serve the needs of visitors and locals. This training program is designed to familiarize participants with correct and accurate information on the country’s history, geography, civics, economics and places of interest. A strong emphasis is placed on attitudinal training, teamwork and cooperation. The program serves as a basic foundation for all other industry training and is used to promote service excellence in The Bahamas. The program’s focus has shifted to a wider view of HOSPITALITY (everyone in the service environment and those that impact the industry including: banks and insurance companies, the school system, the medical profession, hotels, transportation services etc.).