THE ST VINCENT AND the Grenadines Hotel & Tourism Association in conjunction with the health authorities, has developed a programme which aims to increase awareness, acceptance and actual vaccination among Tourism and Hospitality workers.

This was officially launched on Tuesday August 24, 2021 in Bequia at the Frangipani Hotel, a release from the Association states.

Forty two participants were involved in two highly interactive sessions which were conducted by Sharon Francis, Community College Tourism and Hospitality Lecturer and a member of the SVGHTA; and Elliott Samuel, Chief Laboratory Technologist at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Former Prime Minister, Sir James Mitchell, who participated in the first session, complimented the presenters and encouraged participants to get fully vaccinated, as we work together to help the industry to fully reopen.

Management and staff participants were drawn from the following properties: Frangipani Hotel; Gingerbread Hotel; Village Apartments; Mac’s Pizza; Sugarapple Inn; Sea Shells Apartments; Sugar Reef Bequia; Spring Hotel Bequia ; Island Inn Apartments as well as staff from the Bequia Tourism Authority. The Association will continue to conduct these seminars with its membership and would like to congratulate all industry partners (accommodation, diving, yachting, transport, tour operators, tour guides, spa therapists etc.) for becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Your understanding and commitment will support efforts to keep yourselves, your families, your industry and your country safe and will not go unnoticed.

According to the release, the association continues to work closely with the Covid-19 Task Force in its efforts to keep nationals and visitors updated, educated and safe.

Meanwhile, the SVGHTA said it is finalising efforts to distribute materials to employees of members whose homes were damaged in the April 2021 eruptions of La Soufriere.

EC$11,000 was kindly donated by Bay Gardens Resorts, St Lucia and their Loyalty Program partner, The Guest Book.

The Association has also distributed 200 Art and Activity bags to displaced children with the kind compliments of Lynch Caribbean Brookers.

Plans are also being made to host a series of seminars aimed at re-energizing employees as preparations are made for the upcoming 2021/2022 Tourism Season.