KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – An eight-member delegation from Cuba has arrived here as part of an historic Hospitality Technical Mission, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) said Wednesday.
It said that the three-week mission will begin on Thursday and will involve an intensive Train-the-Trainer programme in key hospitality disciplines including front office operations, culinary arts, massage therapy, sommelier services, and housekeeping.
The mission follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2023 between the two governments which also established a framework for technical assistance and training in the tourism sector, reflecting both governments’ commitment to professional development, regional cooperation, and the strengthening of bilateral relations.
The SVGTA said that the Cuban delegation brings decades of collective experience to support the transfer of practical knowledge and skills to Vincentian counterparts.
The programme targets local hospitality educators, instructors, TVET assessors, supervisors, and frontline service providers, offering them practical and theoretical training aimed at raising service standards across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“This training mission is a significant milestone in our journey to elevate service excellence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is an investment in our people and a testament to the enduring solidarity between Cuba and St Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Tourism Minister, Carlos James.
“With a growing tourism sector, we must ensure that our workforce is trained, equipped, and inspired to deliver quality service at every touchpoint. This initiative marks the beginning of long-term collaboration and transformation within our hospitality industry,” he added.
James also disclosed that approximately 2,000 new tourism industry workers will need to be trained over the next 48 months to meet the workforce requirements of major resort developments now underway.
Government said the Sandals Beaches Resort is set to open with 360 keys, the Marriott Resort, which will feature 250 keys and other hotel developments expected to come on stream will significantly expand the room stock and elevate St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ profile as a leading Caribbean tourism destination.
“These landmark hotel developments represent transformative investments in our tourism product. However, to fully realise their benefits, we must ensure that Vincentians are well-trained, service-ready, and equipped to deliver world-class hospitality. Our target is to prepare at least 2,000 new tourism workers to fill the jobs these resorts will create and to strengthen the overall sector,” James said.
“This is about more than staffing hotels. It’s about investing in our people, creating sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring that St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to deliver a visitor experience that reflects our warmth, professionalism, and authentic culture.”
SVGTA chief executive officer, Annette Mark, said the mission directly supports the country’s strategic goal to develop a highly skilled tourism workforce that is both responsive and competitive.
“We are especially pleased that this Cuban initiative will be complemented by specialised training from Aquila’s Centre for Cruise Excellence later this month. Together, these two programmes represent a comprehensive and coordinated approach to service improvement across both land-based and cruise tourism sectors.”
