CTO Launches Virtual Training Program in Light of Covid 19

With face-to-face learning severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has developed a program of  virtual workshops to assist members seeking training for those in the tourism sector.

The CTO, the region's tourism development agency, has begun offering some of its more popular programs, such as taxi training, online to meet the needs of countries whose human resources and capacity development activities have been stalled by the virus.

"The emergency plans implemented by countries around the world, including the Caribbean, to limit the spread of the COVID-19 have disrupted face-to-face teaching and learning and affected the  CTO's ability to conduct our regular training programs," said Sharon Banfield, the director of resource mobilization and development. "However, it has also presented an opportunity to mobilize technology to develop alternative training opportunities. The CTO recognizes this and will work with the membership to execute online training workshops on their behalf."

Montserrat was the first CTO member country to benefit from the new online training program after the CTO facilitated a recent four-session virtual training workshop for taxi drivers titled, The Successful Taxi Driver Workshop.

Approximately 25 taxi drivers participated in the program, which was open to all taxi and transport operators.

"This was a first for all of the participants, and to ensure that we had the full attention of our stakeholders from the transportation sector, we convened the sessions at one central location, with the facilitator doing an excellent job in creating an interactive atmosphere," said Warren Solomon, Montserrat's director of tourism." The Montserrat Tourism Division has a series of training programs planned for the remainder of the year and this is really to ensure that all of our service providers don't lose their edge and are ready to bring their A-game when our borders are re-opened."

The workshop, conducted in two-hour sessions over four days, covered subjects such as:

The Branded Experience

First Impressions, Lasting Impressions

Effective Communication

Strive for Continuous improvement

Health and Safety in a COVID 19 Environment

"The general consensus was that the workshop was very timely and met the participants' expectations and fulfilled the session objectives. Participants shared that the workshop was effective in increasing their knowledge of how to be a successful taxi driver as well as their understanding of COVID-19 and the impact it has on their business," said the facilitator, Joan Leacock.