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 premiere 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 persons from the La Pointe and Delcer communities in Choiseul, will today conclude an eight day training symposium at the Delcer Combined School.
The training syllabus which encompassed four core subject areas: 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 Pitons area (with specific emphasis on the medicinal value of plant species) and interpersonal communication skills was facilitated by Mr. Gabinus Victor.
Victor has a wealth of knowledge in eco-tourism with his expertise in training spanning a course of 20 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, Mr. Jimmy Haynes, has emphasised his commitment on 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.