Let’s work together, embrace tourism standards – Beache

Tourism is not only about the visitors who are coming from overseas but also about the locals as well.

“It is about treating our own people with respect also and making sure that everybody is treated well so there is no difference taking somebody from the US and somebody from St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority Glen Beache told a recent gathering.

He was speaking at the 2019 tourism awards and cocktail reception at the Sunset Shores in Villa.

Beache said it is an exciting time in the country and as we continue to develop our tourism product, we must embrace the tourism standards and work together. He added also that events like the awards ceremony are important as they recognize the key stakeholders who drive the industry.

Also addressing the function was the President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA) Kim Halbich.

She said persons who work in the tourism sector have chosen a career “that is not easy by any stretch of the imagination,” but it is a great choice as it is rewarding.

“No day is ever the same. It’s constantly moving, you’re meeting new people, you’re learning about new cultures and the opportunity for advancement is only limited by yourself,” said Halbich.

She said she is proud to be part of the awards as they represent hard work, dedication and people who go above and beyond.

“SVG is on the cusp of moving to bigger and better things in the industry but as we grow, we have to be ever mindful of the protection of the development and education of our people,” Halbich said, while adding that we must also protect our natural environment and heritage.

“It can all fade away like this as we can see in our shrinking beaches, dying reefs and excess litter,” Halbich stated.

She is encouraging persons to support, encourage and bring others up while continuing to build up the sector.

Minister of Tourism Cecil McKie also addressed the gathering that saw stakeholders from the hotel, yachting and food and beverage sectors being rewarded.

McKie said the tourism statistics are painting a picture of a flourishing industry that is set to grow even bigger in the coming months.