Corea’s building the Cruise Tourism Industry

Tourism Minister Glen Beach has showered praises on Corea & Company (1988) Ltd for being one of the key builders in the cruise tourism industry.{{more}}

Beache, who spoke at a social event which was held on Saturday, October 3, at Paradise Inn for tour guides and drivers, noted that Corea’s must be credited for the development of the cruise industry which brings significant revenue into the country.

Beache said his administration will continue to work with Corea & Company (1988) Ltd (Corea’s) to ensure the development of the industry. He, however, stressed that challenges such as the global recession and the H1N1 virus continue to be causes for concern, but he was, however, quick to say that these challenges would only ensure that tourism in this country is not indolent, but a vibrant enterprise.

Manager of Corea’s Tour Department Garth Williams commended the government for the upgrades currently being conducted at various scenic sites and assured all that the company would continue to do its part to ensure that the St Vincent and the Grenadines is established throughout the world.

Meanwhile, Director of Corea’s Joel Providence encouraged the tour guides and drivers to continue to deliver quality service. Providence noted that the parent company Corea’s Hazell’s Inc. has been around for almost 30 years because it recognizes that making improvements is essential for any business. He said the company handles just over 75 per cent of the cruise calls because it also takes pride in training its staff, particularly its tour guides.

He explained that when cruise passengers buy a tour ticket with the company, they are not only purchasing a new culture, site and experience but they are buying trust and reliance that the tour company will take care of them. Providence said that the company can be liable to law suits if they do not hire competent tour guides and urged the guides to “step up their game.”

The cruise tourism season will officially commence with the inaugural call of the Oriana Cruise Line on Sunday, October 18. Twenty-five persons persons have been trained as tour guides in areas such as Communication, Emergency Response, Professionalism, History of St Vincent and Customer Service.

The official closing ceremony for the tour guide training will take place on October 12, with veteran tourism consultant Vera Ann Brereton being the feature speaker.(SG)