Team Jamaica training programme gets a facelift to boost tourism

The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) has relaunched its Team Jamaica training program which includes the launch of a new website.

Starting in 1997, the Team Jamaica initiative served to enhance Jamaica's tourism sector by providing education in areas such as tourism awareness, excellence in customer service, and cultural sensitivity.

The initiative, unveiled during a ceremony held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on November 16, now includes two new training courses – Level Two, Supervisory, and Level Three, Management, to be added to the existing Level One, Team Member course.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Jennifer Griffith said that the new supervisory and management level courses are expected to nurture tourism workers with strong leadership skills and influence.

“We will delve into essential qualities such as leadership, motivation, conflict resolution, employment relations, managing customer service, and tourism ethics.

Through these skills, individuals who are operating or aspire to operate at this level will be able to guide and inspire their team, ensuring our visitors receive that much higher level of service,” she said.

In the meantime, executive director at TPDCo Wade Mars expressed his gratitude to all individuals who have contributed to the program's success over the past 27 years.

During this event, Griffith and Mars from TPDCo presented the Team Jamaica Pioneer Award to Hugh Shim from the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust, and other pioneers of Team Jamaica were recognized for their yeoman service to the growth and development of the tourism sector.

According to Griffith, Team Jamaica doesn't just make tourism businesses better; it helps them grow and compete.