Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ann-Margaret Adams, explained that the initiative is part of a wider capacity-building effort targeting various sectors of the tourism industry.

“The Ministry of Tourism recently hosted sessions targeting our accommodation sector. So, as part of the Tourism Development Act, it mandates that persons need to be trained. The ministry’s mandate under this new legislation is to provide training to build capacity within the sector,” she said.

Adams noted that the program for maritime operators will address key areas, including sustainable operations, customer service, safety and security protocols, disaster preparedness, marketing strategies, and digital payment systems.

“The intention is to ensure that all operators within the sector receive the necessary training, build capacity in meeting the requirements within the legislation, and, of course, be able to be competitive,” she added.

The training is part of a series of sessions planned throughout the year to support both marine-based and accommodation sector operators in aligning with national tourism standards and improving their overall business performance.