The Tribune

Vendors, tour operators and government agencies who operate at Prince George Wharf were given the chance to sharpen their customer service skills recently during a two-day workshop.

The event was staged by Canada-based Aquila, a major international tour operator that - through its Centre for Cruise Excellence - assists in enhancing the shore-side experience for cruise lines and their passengers. It partnered with the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation and the Florida Cruise Caribbean Association (FCCA).

Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, deputy director-general of tourism, said the workshop was badly needed as the government moves to revitalise Nassau’s cruise port by outsourcing its management and redevelopment to Global Ports Holding’s $250m project.

“With the privatisation of the port we will see more cruise passengers, and we want our people to be prepared and we want them to make more money,” Mr Thompson said.

Beth Hatt, Aquila’s chief executive, added: “The Bahamas has one of the largest and growing cruise ports in the world. In order to keep that growth, the guest satisfaction has to be there. The investment that they are making in The Bahamas is really good.”

More than 150 attendees participated in the event, which was held at the Courtyard Marriott and the University of The Bahamas.

“I came here to learn how we can become the number one cruise port in the region again,” said Yvette Prince of Treasure of The Sea. “We want to make sure that our guests always have an excellent customer experience.”

“What this workshop does is educate me more about what is expected of tour guides, and what we can do to enhance the experience,” added taxi driver, Lennox Moss.

Officials are hoping to hold similar seminars across The Bahamas in the near future.