In anticipation of the December 1st grand reopening, three “Goal Seal” training programs have been designed to prepare local hospitality businesses for the return of international guests. This was detailed in a document released today entitled “BVI Tourism Industry Reopening Guide”
According to the protocols outlined, all relevant staff must be trained while businesses will need a stamp of approval from the environmental health department and further, nominate a Covid-19 Liaise on officer to guide day to day business operations.
In October the Government of the Virgin Islands made a donation of $100,000 to training partner HLSCC to sponsor 1000 tourism workers.
However, based on information received from the training team at HLSCC, 800 of those spots have already been filled. The remaining 200 spots were reserved for the training of managers and supervisors only and those applications were officially released to the public today.
In light of this, many hospitality professionals will not be allowed to return to work until training resumes in January 2021, however, other persons may be able to receive training under the following areas.
GOAL SEAL STAFF TRAINING
This two-hour program is being conducted by the BVI Tourist Board in conjunction with Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, and will cater to persons working in the Tourism sector who “interact with guests, including: the entire marine sector, those who host land activities, Taxi Operators, Tour Guides, Vendors, and Retail Workers.”
Their Training will include infection prevention; effective and excellent communication while wearing masks; encouraging guests’ compliance; and managing difficult situations.
Anyone who would have already completed the “Gold Seal Professional Training” with HLSCC will not need to participate in this course as they would have already met the requirements.
GOLD SEAL PROFESSIONAL LEVEL CERTIFICATION
This will be facilitated 3-hours daily over a 3-day period and is geared toward front-line personnel across all hospitality industry sectors, specifically Front Desk Representatives, Guest-room Attendants, Restaurant Servers and Kitchen Cooks.
The Government has pledged sponsorship for the first 1000 applicants but once those spots are exhausted, a fee of $125 per person will be charged.
GOLD SEAL COVID-19 OFFICER TRAINING.
All businesses with the exception of Taxi and Villas are now required to nominate a COVID-19 Officer who will ensure they are following the Protocols and liaise with Government on COVID-19 matters. These persons “will supervise the day to day compliance of COVID-19 protocols and act as liaison officers for their specific business for interacting with the Environmental Health Division, the Health Department and the BVI Tourist Board, specifically on COVID-19 matters.
If you are interested in pursuing training in any of the areas provided kindly email HLSCC at kdavis@hlscc.edu.vg, BVI Tourist Board at training@bvitourism.com or call 852-6020