The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has partnered with the Schools Tourism Awareness Programme of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment to implement a program that aims to provide primary school students with a firsthand experience of the hospitality industry.

The program is designed to equip these young ones with crucial knowledge of the industry, its economic benefits, and how everyone can contribute to its success, with the help of the valuable experiences and expertise shared by dedicated hospitality professionals from ABHTA.

The initiative is spearheaded by Mrs. Paula C. Joseph, the Community Education & Training Officer, who is delivering vital information profiling key areas of the industry. Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, has commended the program, affirming that it has been in both Government and Private Primary schools for 25 years.

The students are encouraged to keep their school campus clean and the country by not littering, be polite and friendly to visitors, and assist with directions when necessary. The program remains a welcomed feature each term at all primary schools.

Rachel Browne, 2nd Vice Chair of the ABHTA, emphasized the association’s commitment to educating the next generation of hospitality professionals during a visit to Jennings Secondary School. She stated that there are numerous roles available in the hospitality sector and that the program is pleased to bring these roles upfront and personal to the students.

The program is set to continue throughout terms two and three, with visits already conducted in sixteen schools in the first term, fostering a sustained and impactful engagement with the students.