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Offering technical support and training to small tourism operators
Overview
The Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP), initially created by the Organization of American States (OAS), is a regionally recognized project which was adopted in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999; it was relaunched in 2007. Targeting small, tourism operators, STEP presents a comprehensive approach to addressing performance and profitability within the small, tourism enterprise sector. In the last year, more than 600 persons have received training and certification in a range of areas, including defensive driving and first aid.
Benefits
Ultimately, STEP aims to improve the skill set of small, tourism operators (TDC-approved accommodations with 75 rooms or less, and members of tourism associations) through training and capacity building programmes, and to enhance awareness of sustainable tourism development.
STEP provides:
- Technical support and training.
- A Resource Centre, housed at the TDC, equipped with informational literature, computer and Internet access.
- Workshops.
Who benefits?
- Owners, managers and staff of small hotels (75 rooms and less).
- Small tourism-related businesses such as tour operators, tour guides and tourist transport services.
- Employees of the tourism sector wishing to improve their skills.
- Students and young people interested in pursuing a career in tourism.
Workshops/ Training
Numerous workshops have been conducted since the project was relaunched under the TDC including:
- Certified First Aid offered to Bed and Breakfast owners and Tour Guides. This training addressed topics such as first aid basics, fainting, poisoning, burns and heat stroke.
- Teachers Educators Workshop for primary school teachers.
- Basic computer training for approved Bed and Breakfast properties. This training included an introduction to Windows and Microsoft Word.
- OSHA training for the Trinidad and Tobago Tour Guides Association. This training session included safety and health strategies and fire prevention methods.
- Defensive Driving for the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Transport Service Association.
- American Hotel and Lodging Association professional certification in effective Front Desk techniques. This training included responding to emergencies and effective sales techniques for TDC-approved Bed and Breakfast and guesthouses 75 rooms and less.
- Certified Hospitality Educator training for Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute instructors.
- American Hotel and Lodging Association professional certification in housekeeping. Sessions included health and safety training for persons employed with TDC-approved Bed and Breakfast and guesthouses 75 rooms and less.
For more information, contact the TDC’s STEP Resource Centre at 675-7034 ext 307 (Tel), 675-7432 (Fax) or info@tdc.co.tt. You can also visit us at Level 1, Maritime Centre, 29 Tenth Avenue, Barataria. Our offices are open 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
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