Anguilla took a significant step in enhancing its tourism offerings this week with the launch of a new programme designed to train new teachers of community-based tourism.
More than 25 participants along with trainers and stakeholders gathered for the opening of the comprehensive three-day workshop on 27 November.
Designed specifically for Anguilla, the Ministry of Tourism developed the programme through collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the ministry’s tourism planner Joleyne Robin-Williams said community-based tourism goes beyond simply sharing a destination with the world.
“It’s about building bridges between cultures, fostering respect and creating lasting peace through shared experiences,” she said.
She said the programme is another another important step in the journey towards sustainable development, and said it will create a “ripple effect of knowledge and empowerment”.
Local empowerment
Minister of Tourism Haydn Hughes told attendees that the government is committed to providing Anguillians with the knowledge, skills and resources to thrive in a rapidly changing tourism landscape.
“The tourism industry is not just a backbone of our economy, it is a powerful vehicle for peace, prosperity and social cohesion,” he said.
“By building capacity at a community level, we are fostering local empowerment, supporting economic independence and promoting peaceful interactions within our communities.”
He encouraged participants to use the training not only as a stepping stone for personal advancement, but also as a means to contribute to the broader, sustainable goals of Anguilla.
OECS training facilitator Maria Fowell said running the course is “an opportunity to talk about the type of tourism that I am very, very passionate about”.
She said the programme is designed to equip the participants with the knowledge, tools and strategies to teach others how to develop successful community-based tourism experiences.
They will learn how to guide local communities to develop business plans, and ensure their projects are market-ready and sustainable, she said.
A pivotal role
Key contributors to the project include the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Hyacinth Bradley, community services planner with the Ministry of Social Development.
Bradley told participants that the course will equip them with knowledge, skills and experiences to implement and promote sustainable tourism initiatives.
Topics will include understanding the fundamentals of community-based tourism to exploring marketing techniques and volun-tourism integration, she said
“This training will provide you with actionable tools and strategies to develop impactful products and practices that engage and benefit our community,” she continued.
“More so, through this train the trainers model, you will not only get a chance to enhance your own expertise, but you also play a pivotal role in spreading these principles for the greater impact of Anguilla.”
Click below to watch the opening ceremony in full:
