Tourism

BHTA Internship Programme a hit with UWI Students

THE Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) annual Internship Programme has received high praise from University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) students.

Ronesha Williams and Chelsea Devonish, pursuing Hospitality and Tourism Management and International Tourism Management Bachelor’s Degrees respectively, both participated in this year’s internship programme and referred to it as, “eye opening and amazing.”

Williams stated, “I chose tourism because it allows me to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which I find incredibly enriching. What started as a way to make ends meet at the age of 17 quickly grew into a passion for creating memorable experiences and delivering excellent customer service. I thrive in the dynamic environment of tourism, where making connections and leaving lasting impressions is key to sustainable business in tourism.

“My internship at the BHTA has been one of the most incredible experiences in my career to date, providing me with hands-on exposure to the groundwork that is necessary to make this industry successful. I assisted with various projects, applying theories from my coursework at UWI in areas such as data collection, budgeting, and event planning. Additionally, I gained valuable skills in site inspection and sponsorship management. Throughout my internship, I also attended first aid training, a hurricane preparedness seminar and quality customer service training, all of which have further equipped me for my future endeavours in tourism.

Devonish, who explained that she always had a love for the industry, echoed similar sentiments, “This experience was wonderful. The BHTA team treated us like family and allowed us to work on projects along with them, rather than just observing how things are done. I was able to assist with planning and also participate in meetings, seminars and events covering a wide range of areas. From producing e-flyers and distributing information to members, to attending seminars and site-visits as well as meetings with emergency personnel including the Barbados Police Force.

“I was aware of the BHTA before but never realised the wide range of work and activity that the Association is responsible for. There are numerous meetings with members and different stakeholders, just as many activities and events to plan and execute as well as the advocacy and programmes focusing on health and safety, training and the like. It is much more than I ever imagined. My studies focus on International approaches to tourism and this internship has definitely exposed me to how many of these methods are being utilised on a daily basis by the BHTA and its members.”

BHTA CEO, Ryan Forde stated, “Every year we host two UWI Students as interns and every year we marvel at their different backgrounds and perspectives on the industry. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting and teaching Ronesha and Chelsea various aspects of the industry and from a different point of view. We may be a Secretariat for our membership, but the day-to-day work is much more than just that.

“Both ladies were able to experience an International Tournament (ICC World Cup) from the role the BHTA plays, experience hurricane preparations and post hurricane reporting, advocacy on behalf of our membership, marketing for new members and initiatives, proposal review sessions as well as work on numerous projects that the BHTA is undertaking and, of course, numerous site visits to understand the Tourism Product of Barbados.”

Forde added that the skillset the two were able to add to the Secretariat was needed this summer. He said, “Their energy and ‘can do, will do, may I participate’ attitude is exactly what the industry needs more of, and they were rewarded for it. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Trustees, the Secretariat and our Members we wish to thank both young ladies for their efforts and assistance this summer and we foresee that this will not be the last that we hear of these two names, as they have a lot of promise to offer the destination for years to come.” (PR)

Tourism

BARBADIAN REUBEN LEROY BROWNE NAMED GENERAL MANAGER AT WYNDHAM GRAND BARBADOS SAM LORDS CASTLE

Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle has appointed Barbadian Reuben Leroy Browne as General Manager of the all-inclusive luxury resort in St. Philip.

With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry with major international brands across the Caribbean, Browne will be responsible for the hotel’s operations including enhancing guest experiences and revenue growth, while focusing on strategic planning, resource management and prioritizing environmental and social responsibility activities, among other tasks.

The new General Manager, who took up the post last month (October), said, “Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of getting to know our amazing team and exploring everything our beautiful resort has to offer. Our team is truly dedicated, and together we are committed to enhancing the guest experience as we approach the winter season.

“I’m proud to share that all of our resort’s food and beverage outlets are all operational, including the Mediterranean Restaurant for all-day dining, Sam Lords Grill, and our signature fine-dining venue, Castle View. Our Lucy’s Lounge, named in honor of Sam Lords’ wife, adds a unique touch to the resort, and we also have six well-appointed bars throughout the property to cater to our guests’ needs.”

He added that the spa, 24 hour gym and Kid’s Club are also functioning at full steam for both locals and visitors to utlise and said, “Our next steps will be to fill key vacancies starting with the Director of Sales and Marketing. We are also continuing our promotion of the property in key source markets at events such as World Travel Market in London, which our Revenue Manager attended earlier this month.”

Browne, who has a strong educational background from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and several management development programmes, most recently served as General Manager of an all-inclusive 294 suite property in Antigua.

Since starting his career in the industry in 1984, he has developed a successful track record in various leadership roles including Food and Beverage Manager, Operations Manager, Residence Manager, Director of Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at renowned hotels and resorts in Barbados and the region.

An active member in various professional associations including the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and past member of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, he also dedicates his time to charitable endeavors including the Optimist Club. (PR)

Caption: Barbadian Reuben Leroy Browne has been appointed General Manager of the all-inclusive Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle.

Tourism

BHTA BARBADOS NATIONAL CULINARY TEAM OFF TO TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN 2024

Members of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Barbados National Culinary Team left the island last Saturday to compete in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean, which takes place in Miami from November 18 to 20.

They are Chef Rynaldo Joseph, Junior Chef Dejuan Toppin, Pastry Chef Rickeena Kirton and Mixologist Alex Chandler, along with Team Manager Adrian Cumberbatch, Assistant Team Manager Javon Cummins and Coaches Damian Leach and Rohan Hackshaw.

Cumberbatch noted that the team is ready to put their best plates and beverages forward: “There has been a lot of preparation over the past few weeks to get everyone ready for the competition. Our focus was on strengthening a number of areas ranging from time management to concepts and flavor profiles. After weeks of hard work and dedication I can confidently say that the team members are all ready to showcase their talent and skills and to make Barbados proud.”

BHTA’s Special Projects Manager, Tessalee Moore, who is among a BHTA contingent, including Chairman Javon Griffith and CEO Ryan Forde, attending Taste to support the team, explained that the Association was more than happy to be facilitating the process to get team Barbados to the prestigious event.

Caption: Members of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Barbados National Culinary Team at the GAIA yesterday with BHTA CEO Ryan Forde (left) and Special Projects Manager Tessalee Moore (second from left) on the way to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean in Miami.

“We are extremely happy that Taste is back and that Barbados can attend and defend our title as Caribbean Team of the Year. But beyond that, for the BHTA, Taste is more than a competition. It is also a major training and developmental tool for our chefs and mixologists as it provides educational opportunities by way of seminars, workshops and demonstrations on the trends and emerging concepts in Food and Beverage.

“While we would love Team Barbados to bring home gold and the bragging rights as Team of the Year again, we equally want the members to gain from this experience in a way that will propel their careers and for them to willingly share their knowledge with their peers when they return. This is their opportunity to showcase their skills on an international platform and we want them to take full advantage of that opportunity.” (PR)

Tourism

EXPLORA 11 DOCKS FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Explora II docked at the Port of Bridgetown for the first time yesterday, bringing 427 passengers to the island’s shore.

During a plaque exchange ceremony on board the vessel, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding- Edghill, thanked Captain Serena Melani for guiding what he described as a “magnificent” ship into the Port of Bridgetown.

“We certainly want to thank you and your team on board, and certainly the executives at MSC, for taking the opportunity to continue to have the confidence in Barbados as a home port,” he said.

Captain of the vessel, Serena Melani, who was the first woman in cruise industry history to captain a new ocean cruise ship launch in February 2020, said it was “nice to be back”, and that she was happy to bring another vessel to the Barbados. She previously brought the Explora I to the island during the 2023-2024 winter season.

*Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding Edghill & Captain Serena Melani*

The Explora Journeys’ Explora II transatlantic cruise itinerary, which began in Barcelona, Spain, will make six homeporting visits to Barbados during the 2024-2025 winter season.

The next port of call for the cruise vessel is Fort-de-France, Martinique.

In addition to the Explora II, the Port of Bridgetown also welcomed the MSC Magnifica for the first time. Britannia P&O and Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas also docked yesterday, bringing a total of 8,000 visitors to the island. (PR/GIS)