As the driving pillar of our economy, the tourism industry remains one which holds a special place in the hearts of many Seychellois bread earners. These individuals on a daily basis dedicate their time and energy to ensure guests visiting our islands enjoy a pleasant stay.
With this in mind, the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) is encouraging businesses to train and develop their staff so that they can further improve their products and services. This is part of the struggle to make Seychelles shine among other travel destinations.
Gerard Port Louis, a private consultant with much experience and expertise in the tourism industry, has agreed to conduct such career development training at a reduced price to all SHTA members.
Sybille Cardon, the owner of Les Lauriers Eco Hotel & Restaurant and who is also the chairperson of the SHTA, is well suited to take the leading step in encouraging small tourism establishments to train and equip their employees with new and better skills. Les Lauriers Eco Hotel & Restaurant was itself the first establishment to benefit from this special offer.
“Though our service is good, there is always room for improvement and we felt the need to conduct certain training for our staff so that they can develop themselves and we can improve together as a company. The SHTA would like to encourage all hospitality and tourism establishments to make the most of this opportunity,” Ms Cardon shared.
The training, which was conducted recently on the hotel premises, lasted three days, involving all 25 members of staff who daily welcome visitors to their special Creole buffet dinner as well as to the 14 comfortable rooms. Various areas of the everyday running of the small hotel were touched, including customer care, service skills and supervisory skills.
A visit to the establishment was first conducted and after discussions with both the management and staff, they collectively identified their strengths and weaknesses as well as any specific areas which required boosting up. From there, a training programme, customised specifically for the establishment, was elaborated.
“The staff was very responsive in both the theory and practical aspects and that demonstrates the willingness and eagerness for them to broaden their knowledge and skills in their careers. Even those who were off duty on these three days made an extra effort to attend,” Mr Port Louis said.
Those who have benefitted from the training will now receive a certificate of participation and are expected to put their new skills and knowledge to good use. An evaluation is scheduled to be conducted by the consultant in one month’s time.
Samia Brioche, one of the hotel’s supervisors, was proud to share how the training has been beneficial to her by equipping her with new skills as a result of which she says she will better attend to her guests, especially the more demanding ones. She adds that the new skills will also promote better communication between fellow colleagues and the management.
“I now feel better equipped to carry out my duties,” Ms Brioche stated.
Interested SHTA members are urged to contact the organisation’s office for further details about the course.
Together, the SHTA and all tourism establishments can make a difference to attract more visitors to the Seychelles islands.
Text: Nadia Bedier, Photos: Romano Laurence