By the Caribbean Journal staff

A major tourism training push is set for the United States Virgin Islands next week, as Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence launches a three-day training program for tourism industry professionals in the territory.

The program, supported by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, will entail “Customer Service and Frontline Training” sessions that will help polish the skills of the “meeters and greeters” who are the face of tourism across the territory.

The sessions, which will take place at the University of the Virgin Islands’ St Croix and St Thomas campuses, will take “customer service professionals, such as tour and taxi drivers and hospitality sales staff, through issues such as how to make a lasting impression on visitors and inspire them to return, handling challenging situations, and being mindful of cultural differences,” according to a statement.

“We are committed to providing customer service training for our hardworking professionals in the tourism industry,” said Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “We’re in a global competition with other destinations, and today’s discerning travelers make decisions based on many factors, including their expectations of friendly, helpful and attentive service. This training helps us excel.”