The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, August 7th, at the Harbor Club in Rodney Bay.

CTA Chief Executive Officer, Dahlia Garde, explained that the training was tailored to participants’ specific areas of business.

“For example, persons in accommodation learned practical skills such as how to make beds properly and perform housekeeping, while those in the experience sector covered topics like managing sites and attractions and creating unique visitor experiences,” she said.

The program not only builds skills but also prepares participants to meet the CTA’s standards for endorsement.

“At least seven of today’s graduates have received the Community Tourism Endorsement Seal, meaning they are trained, have public liability insurance, their business is registered, and they are now market-ready,” Garde added.

Principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Dr. Madgerie Jameson-Charles, highlighted the program’s significance in a changing tourism landscape.

“They looked at accommodations, food and beverage, recreation, and experiences: areas that are very important for us as a country. This is a new but impactful program, and the people who participated truly appreciated it,” she said.

The initiative reflects Saint Lucia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing service quality, diversifying tourism offerings, and equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools to compete in an evolving global market.