The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) has embarked on a capacity building exercise with the ultimate goal of enhancing customer service delivery in line with international standards, thus increasing the competence of tour guides at the Gros Piton Nature Trail.
The nature trail is one of the premier tourist attractions managed by the SRDF and a substantial contributor to the income generated through the company’s operations.
Forty-two tour guides from the Gros Piton Area including eight people from the La Pointe and Delcer communities in Choiseul, began the eight-day training symposium at the Delcer Combined School on Monday, September 26.
The training syllabus which encompasses five core subject areas, namely: the geology of Soufriere and the Pitons, the historical backdrop of the community of Fond Gens Libre (Gros Piton commune), the flora and fauna endemic to the Piton Area (with specific emphasis on the medicinal value of plant species) and interpersonal communication skills, is being facilitated by Gabinus Victor.
Mr. Victor has a wealth of knowledge in eco-tourism with his expertise in training spanning a course of twenty years, having been directly involved in the training of tour guides at the Sulphur Springs Park, Gros Piton Nature Trail and other tour guiding agencies in the Soufriere region and environs over that period.
The Executive Director of the SRDF, Jimmy Haynes, has emphasized his commitment to seeing the staff of the organization fully empowered and enabled to increase productivity and operate at a level that exceeds the expectations of its clientele in the pursuit of excellence.
“This course is geared at improving our product, we want the tour guides to have the necessary skills to provide a world class experience,” said Haynes.
The training exercise will conclude on Thursday, October 13.
The Soufriere Foundation is a non-profit company located in Soufriere. Its mandate is to undertake social, cultural, human resource, tourism and infrastructure development in the Soufriere area.
The organization, which was established in 1993, generates revenues from its operational sites: the Sulphur Springs Park, Gros Piton Nature Trail, Comfort Center, Soufriere jetties and 88.5 Soufriere FM.
