Step up to a new level of service in 2009 with professional tourism training programmes facilitated by the Tourism Development Company Ltd (TDC) under the Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP) initiative.

More than 600 people have received STEP training and internationally recognised professional certification in a variety of areas including Basic Computer Literacy, OSHA, Certified First Aid, Defensive Driving, Front Office Desk and Guestroom Attendants Techniques and Hospitality Educator.

For 2009, STEP will offer workshops for La Brea tour guides, Team Building courses for tour operators, curb appeal training for bed and breakfast properties, interior decoration and food service certification for Tobago properties.

STEP training targets the owners, managers and staff of small TDC – approved accommodation of 75 rooms or less and Tourism Associations such as tour operators, tour guides and tourist transport providers and young people interested in pursuing a career in the industry.

In addition to technical support and training, STEP provides a fully equipped Resource Centre at the TDC’s Maritime Plaza, Barataria headquarters where computers with internet access, industry information and training resources are available.

An initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS), STEP is a regionally recognised project which was implemented in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. In 2007 the programme was relaunched under the TDC and has successfully provided relevant industry training while enhancing the skills of service providers.