AHTA says management course pays dividends for the tourism industry

The Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association (AHTA) says management training leads to success for participants in its Supervisory Management Training course—industry insiders agree.

The 10-week certificate course, created in collaboration with The University of the West Indies Open Campus of Antigua & Barbuda (UWOC ANU), was designed to enhance leadership skills for hospitality sector management and supervisory personnel. And five years after its inception, industry insiders continue to laud its effectiveness.

“Everyone who has participated over the years has been impressed. It has really helped them view their work and how they perform work quite differently. It gives them the tools to do their job more effectively. They acquire better communication skills and come back with improved attitudes,” said Talent and Development Director at Jumby Bay, Leisa McDonald.

Manager of AHTA programmes, Anthea Watkins, said this response is typical of participants and the organisations they represent. She believes the carefully constructed course pays dividends for participants.

“Robust and continued management training is essential for any organisation to function effectively. This course is certainly value for money. The supervisors learn leadership and decision-making skills and management gains well equip, enthusiastic management staff. That will trickle throughout the organization and create satisfied guests,” the programmes manager stressed.

Watkins also credits its continued success to the proficiency of the course’s facilitator, Shirlene Nibbs.

The Supervisory Management Training course is held twice weekly at the UWIOC. Currently, classes are full, however a new course will begin in May. Since its inception in 2011, over 200 people have graduated.

For further information or to register visit http://members.antiguahotels.org/training/ or contact Anthea Watkins at 462-3703 or email anthea@antiguahotels.org