11 July 2007Hospitality Seminar focuses on 'Guest Experience Management'
Hospitality/Tourism Seminar focusing on “guest experience management” enjoyed a large turn out.
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Hospitality/Tourism Seminar focussing on “guest experience management” enjoyed a large turn out. Participants left inspired to make a positive change. The one day seminar hosted by Oyster Publications, Inc, on Wednesday, July 11 at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College was a huge success. The seminar drew 130 participants from both within and outside the Tourism/Hospitality Industry.
The event, designed to address the effects of global competition on the BVI Tourism Industry and to analyse the profile of the 21st century traveller, also covered related topics such as investment and job opportunities that the expanding market brings with it, as well as the importance of service within any business and the various financial resources available to local companies wanting to develop and expand their product base in the BVI. This event was co-sponsored by Mainsail Resorts, Quorum (BVI) Ltd and Jahphix TV.
According to Mrs. Portia Harrigan, CEO of Oyster Global Publications, “the feedback we got from the participants was very good. The information that was presented helped to further expanded our understanding of the effects of global tourism on the BVI economy as well as making it clear how local properties can develop their businesses and equip themselves to deal with today’s travel market and its demands”
Wednesday’s seminar proceeded with opening remarks from the Chief Minister Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Minister of Tourism, followed by a presentation by the seminar’s first speaker Mr. Robert Steele III- Chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and General Manager of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, who addressed the effects of global tourism on the BVI tourism industry.
The development of the small properties, the importance of the guest experience and the profile of the 21st century traveller were both presentations delivered by professional speaker Jacqueline Johnson, President of Jacqueline Johnson and Associates, and active member of several organizations including The Association of Travel Marketing Executives and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, where she is a member of the Executive Committee.
Local speakers included, Mr. Keith Dawson, Liason Officer- Major Investment Projects, of the Chief Minister’s Office, who delivered his presentation on the investment and job opportunities in the primary and secondary markets. His presentation was followed by that of Mr. Trefor Grant of Village Cay Hotel and Ms. Sharon Flax- Mars of Little Dix Bay Resort who both spoke on the importance of service and how this can and should be developed within organisations.
Mr. Louis Potter of Town and Country Planning discussed the sustainability of future developments in the BVI and whether or not enough is being done to protect the environment in the pursuit of the industry’s expansion. His presentation was followed by a discussion session on lending criteria of the local banks as well as preferred projects for small business loans.
“The presentations were open and straightforward and provided the opportunity for high quality discussions covering a variety of different interests and experiences'” continued Mrs. Harrigan.
Oyster Publications Inc. is committed to empowerment through information and is pleased and proud to announce that future seminars are planned, details of which can be found on the following website www.businessbvi.com.
Oyster Publications Inc, PO box 3369, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110