The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication, Utilities, Housing and Tourism - Tourism Unit, has announced the successful completion of its Tour Guides Training Programme – Level 1, which empowered over 50 tourism industry partners.

The comprehensive training programme was held at La Vue Hotel. The Tour Guides Training Programme was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to excel in the tourism industry. 

The training curriculum covered a wide range of topics which were delivered by local Historians. The training covered the following areas:- History of the Historical Sites of Anguilla, delivered by Mr. Kenn Banks, OBE; The History of Boat Building by Mr. David Carty; the History of Anguilla by Mr. Neil Gumbs, Genealogy and Family Research by Dr. Timothy Hodge and The Effective Tour Guides by Quest Experiences.
 
The Training was coordinated and moderated by the Tourism Planner – Mrs. Joleyne Robin-Williams who also delivered the welcome remarks. During her remarks, Mrs. Robin-Williams urged industry partners to align their efforts with the vision of the Ministry of Tourism, ensuring that their actions resonate with the principles of sustainability outlined in the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) for Anguilla, ensuring that we leave a legacy of responsible tourism for generations to come.
 
The invocation was delivered by Industry Partner – Mrs. Doreen Liburd, who is the owner of Devonish Art Gallery and the National song was beautifully rendered by Ms. Amelia Olivacee, an Alumni of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Concert Band. The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Communication, Utilities, Housing and Tourism – Mr. Haydn Hughes provided special remarks at the training. 

During his remarks, the Honourable Minister re-emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that policies, plans and training is developed and implemented to support the people of Anguilla’s vision. He reminded them that they are the main beneficiaries of the tourism product. 

He further stated that ‘with tourism as the backbone of our economy, through enhanced developments we envision an Anguilla with countless job opportunities contributing significantly to our nations’ revenue’. The Department wishes to recognize the following sponsors of the training: - Anguilla Tourist Board, Quest Experiences, Mr. Carlton Pickering (KCN), Umami Catering Services and Preston Hughes Tour.

Day two of the training will include an island tour, facilitated by Quest Experiences with visits to historical sites. This is also an opportunity to provide participants with the practical knowledge of what was taught on day one.