Tourism awareness training for communities

Tobagonians are to get specialised tourism awareness training, hosted by the Division of Tourism, in upcoming weeks.

Tourism Secretary Nadine Stewart Phillips, speaking at Wednesday’s post Executive Council media briefing at the Administrative Complex in Calder Hall, said the Division has recognised the need for a Community Tourism Awareness campaign to bring a change of culture across communities so Tobagonians could understand the impact of a thriving tourism industry on the island’s economy.

“This campaign is a critical component for achieving the Division’s overall mission to recommission Tobago as an ideal tourism destination,” she said. The campaign will be launched on July 5 at the Fort King George Heritage Park.

“The structure of the programme allows for outreach in the communities where support will be given to potential and current business owners. The campaign will be undertaken in three phases - phase one aims to create awareness among Tobagonians of tourism and the role that tourism plays, phase two is geared towards changing perception and attitudes of the Tobago population and phase three desires to create and support positive behaviours of persons in the local communities.

“The programme is expected to be completed in the next three years as altering behaviours and attitudes is a long-term process,” said Stewart Phillips. She said three key results were expected - increasing awareness of tourism industries importance to the Tobago economy, creating awareness of the value of tourism careers and sensitising communities on their role in enhancing community tourism.