ROAD TOWN, Tortola, BVI – The region’s tourism sector has been told it runs the risk of losing its edge if it fails to invest in human resources development.
The British Virgin Islands’ At-Large Representative, Vernon Malone, told delegates attending the 4th Annual Tourism Human Resources Conference here that the region cannot achieve its goal of sustainable tourism development if the industry does not pay attention to the people who deliver the service.
“We often speak of sustainable tourism development with a decided focus on the environment,” Malone said at the opening ceremony, “but I put it to you, unless we inspire our human resources to consistently deliver excellent service, even with the environment in its most pristine condition, our regional tourism industry cannot remain buoyant.”
Malone, a government Member of Parliament, also contended that there was a lack of inspirational leadership among regional and international organisations and these institutions are paying the price.
“On a global scale any public and private sector organisations are failing not due to a lack of financial or human resources but rather from the lack of leadership that inspires our human resources to give their best effort on a consistent and sustainable basis,” he said.
Close to 100 HR professionals from across the Caribbean ate attending the three day conference which focuses on Developing Inspirational Leadership for Caribbean Tourism.
It covers a number of issues facing tourism human resource professionals, ranging from Human Capital Management to Promoting Wellness in the Workplace. Climate change and its impact on Caribbean tourism will also be discussed at one of the plenary sessions.
The 4th Annual Tourism Human Resources Conference is being held in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.
