Free course to help ‘Bermudian ambassadors’

The Bermuda Department of Tourism today announced the Blue Flag Ambassador Certification course for hospitality industry partners. The course is designed for those who have direct contact with our visitors particularly our Bermudian ambassadors who drive taxis, work in shops, tour operators and concierge personnel.

The five-week program focuses on the importance of customer service in the hospitality industry as well as the historical and economic development of Bermuda. A new addition to the Blue Flag Certification is the inclusion of elements of the National Tourism Plan, such as the focus on total quality management and the five new tourism hubs.

The Hon. Shawn Crockwell, JP, MP, Minister of Tourism Development and Transport, explained the course objectives: “As stated in the National Tourism Plan, the people of Bermuda have a key role to play in the development of tourism. Training and awareness programmes are vital to the success of our industry.”

Minister Crockwell added: “We encourage our hospitality industry partners to take advantage of the Blue Flag Ambassador Certification course to enhance their knowledge of Bermuda. The course covers a wide variety of subjects including history, cultural flora and fauna, places of interest and the special nuisances that make Bermuda unique.”

The course will be facilitated by Mr. Cordell Riley and run on Thursday evenings from February 28 through March 28, at the Bermuda College. At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate, special engraved Blue Flag and a decal to display on taxis or business locations.

The course is free to participants. Participants can register online at www.profilesofbermuda.bm or by calling Profiles of Bermuda on 292-6997.