Jamaica has launched what officials are calling a “substantial investment” in its tourism sector amid the pandemic, with a new free online training program for tourism workers affected by the crisis.
Jamaica’s Center of Tourism Innovation is running the program in partnership with the U.S-based National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Institute, along with Jamaica’s Human Employment and Resource Training-National Service Training Agency.
The program will deliver online training and certification courses.
Tourism officials said more than 6,500 people have signed up for the program since it launched last week, with classes having started April 27.
“The Caribbean is the most tourism dependent region in the world and tourism accounts for nearly 11 percent of global GDP. In the case of Jamaica, we are very proud that the program has been so well-received by our hospitality workers. There is no better time than now for them to retool and upskill,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “It is a smart investment in staying resilient, which will pay handsome dividends when the tourism sector returns to normal. It is a demonstration of the importance of the Government’s Human Capital Development strategy.”
For more, visit the Jamaica Center of Tourism Innovation.