Ministry of Tourism Updates
Bahamas "People to People" tourism workshop sharpens volunteers
By Clarence Rolle, MOT
Jul 8, 2013 - 4:51:39 PM

Volunteers engage in role play to sharpen their hosting skills.

Volunteers of Ministry of Tourism’s People to People program are better equipped to host visitors after a workshop designed to give them new skills and strengthen existing ones.  

New volunteers joined their veteran colleagues at the workshop, where they were instructed on topics that included planning for hosting guests and hosting etiquette. Ivan Rolle, a People to People ambassador for more then 20 years and a food and beverage consultant, made a presentation on menu planning and table setting.  

“It is to be able to host our guests in such a way that it is more economical as we are able to plan,” Mr. Rolle said. “When we plan, we stay within boundaries and we are able to achieve our goal with less stress and with economic security.”  

Stephen Bellot, an ambassador for two years, is a second generation volunteer.  His fond memories of his mother’s hosting of guests led him to join the People to People program.  

Mr. Bellot said he is called on to help visitors learn about The Bahamas but being a People to People ambassador is also a learning experience for the People to People host.  

“You get to meet people from a lot of different places,” he said. “So obviously, they share their experiences from where they come from as well. But it also forces you to learn a lot more about the Bahamas and it gives you a better appreciation for the country you live in because you get to see it out of their eyes.”  

Mr. Bellot said the seminar also helps him learn by getting ambassadors to network with others who are doing the same volunteer work. It also allows them to receive presentations on relevant matters that help them become better hosts, he said.

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