By Admin. Updated 7:04 p.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Approximately 2,000 new tourism industry workers will need to be trained by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority over the next 48 months to meet growing hotel demands.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Carlos James made the announcement today (August 5), adding that the training is needed to meet the workforce requirements of major resort developments now underway.
Minister James’ announcement was made at the official opening of the Republic of Cuba Technical Mission Training at the Holiday Inn and Suites today 5th August, 2025, where eight (8) Cuban specialists in hospitality were welcomed to the country to conduct a trainer of trainers initiative.
The upcoming Sandals Beaches Resort, set to open with 360 keys, the Marriott Resort, which will feature 250 keys and other hotel developments expected to come on stream will significantly expand the room stock and elevate St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ profile as a leading Caribbean tourism destination.
“These landmark hotel developments represent transformative investments in our tourism product,” stated Minister James. “However, to fully realise their benefits, we must ensure that Vincentians are well-trained, service-ready, and equipped to deliver world-class hospitality. Our target is to prepare at least 2,000 new tourism workers to fill the jobs these resorts will create and to strengthen the overall sector.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines His Excellency Carlos Etcheverry, said:
“This is the first time that Cuba has undertaken a technical cooperation project of this nature in the tourism field with a sister country. And I can think of no better partner for this milestone than Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — a country with which we share not only deep diplomatic ties, but also a strong sense of Caribbean unity, mutual respect, and solidarity.”
“Allow me be clear: the Cuban team is not here to teach anybody. They are here to share, to exchange, and to learn as much as they give. They are here to engage in meaningful dialogue, to socialize good practices acquired through decades of Cuban experience in tourism and hospitality, and most importantly, they are here to support a sister nation — one that is investing serious efforts and vision into building a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry,” the Cuban Ambassador said.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, in collaboration with local training institutions, will roll out specialised programmes over the next four years in areas such as front office operations, food and beverage service, culinary arts, housekeeping, guest relations, and supervisory skills.
These initiatives are aimed at building a skilled workforce to meet both current and future demand.
“This is about more than staffing hotels,” Minister James added. “It’s about investing in our people, creating sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring that St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to deliver a visitor experience that reflects our warmth, professionalism, and authentic culture.”
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority is expected to engage industry stakeholders and private training providers, to design programmes that align with international hospitality standards while remaining rooted in Vincentian character and service culture.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority is the official tourism agency responsible for the promotion, development and enhancement of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier travel destination. Through marketing campaigns, industry training, and stakeholder collaboration, the SVGTA works to grow the sector sustainably and inclusively.
The information in this news story was sourced from a press release sent to us by the The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in SVG.
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