Partnership and collaboration were the main themes during a consultation with Experience Turks and Caicos, the Department of Tourism Regulations, watersports, and marine tour operators.
The lively and engaging meeting was held to allow the operators to learn about the TIDES programme which stands for (Together Individuals Delivering Excellent Service)
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management was also present to give insight into the economic benefits of bone fishing as a tourism product.
Experience Turks and Caicos’ mandate is to ensure that all the people of the Turks and Caicos benefit from the economic prosperity the tourism industry offers.
The tour operators were given an overview of the TIDES program, through which standardized training is being conducted with all stakeholders.
They were told that the TIDES certification would last two years and cost $50 and that operators who have done the training before would only be required to participate in the class to get a renewal. Those who have never done the training would be required to pass an examination.
Those who have reading and writing challenges would be allowed to do an oral exam.
Participants called for the program to be extended to the sister islands and were told that training recently concluded in Grand Turk and will soon expand.
The second half of the meeting comprised a presentation on bone fishing for sport which generated lively discussion from the operators about the state of the industry.
There were also several suggestions from participants on ways to boost the industry such as the creation of specific zones for jet ski operators.
