Tourism official report a decrease in the harassment and complaints of visitors and attribute this in part of increased awareness on the part of ‘SMART’ graduates to the importance of the tourism industry to their livelihood.
SMART is an acronym for the Sales Marketing and Royal Treatment programme conducted recently by the Ministry of Tourism. The opening session for the upcoming smart programme was held at the Holy Trinity Church Activity Centre.
It was officially opened by Samuel Gardiner, senior director of education for the Ministry of Tourism and was addressed by Archie Nairn, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.
Over 200 persons were in attendance at the opening session including, hair braiders, Public Service drivers, straw work representatives and other government officials. This is the third year of SMART’s existence.
General Manager of Cus-tomer Service Training for the Ministry of Tourism Mrs Gloria Brown said, “There have been a decrease in the harassment and complaints of our visitors but more importantly, SMART participants are more aware of their importance to the tourism industry.”
She announced that an associate programme will be introduced so that graduates can reinforce what they have learnt and build upon a good foundation rather than being left alone. An incentive programme will also will reward graduates for outstanding services.
The Nassau Guardian
