Firm to assess the competencies of the Caribbean tourism workforce

A Jamaican firm, A-Z Information Jamaica Ltd, has been selected by the regional tourism development agency, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to conduct its first-ever regional skills audit.

The Jamaican company, which will be assessing the competencies of the Caribbean tourism workforce, won the bid after a comprehensive process for procuring consultancy services to undertake this project. A-Z Information was chosen to conduct this critical tourism human resources audit, as the industry seeks to navigate the next phase of Caribbean tourism and strategically plan for its future.

From an initial 12 companies expressing interest in providing consultancy services for the project, the Kingston-based firm was among four finalists invited to submit comprehensive proposals and ultimately emerged the top-ranked firm. A-Z Information is backed by a network of employment and labour market researchers, tourism academics and practitioners as well as strategic human resources planning and development experts.

The company also has a solid regional footing and extensive experience working around the region on various large research focused projects including labour market needs assessments, workforce strategies and plans and human resources audits.

Aims and objectives of the audit

The audit is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the tune of US$124,625.  It is aimed at assessing the levels of knowledge and competencies of the Caribbean tourism workforce in addition to identifying future skills needs for the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

The main goal of this project, which begins this month, is to help Caribbean tourism planners and policymakers better understand how to most effectively leverage human resource development for a more innovative and competitive industry. Among the other objectives of the project, is to seek to identify the specific leadership and workforce competencies. 

Those competencies required to meet the current and future needs of the region’s tourism sector. The Jamaican company is also tasked with providing a detailed review of the critical skill sets and resources necessary for the development of a sustainable, high-performing Caribbean tourism workforce.

It is also expected to provide valuable information and recommendations that will assist with the development of policies and better planned interventions related to human capital. Information obtained from the audit will contribute to effective human resource planning for the tourism industry in the region. 

Audit will provide framework for decision making

It will provide a framework for decision-making to guide the development and refinement of tourism education and training programmes by academic and training institutions in order to reduce skills gaps and mismatches and bring about more sustainable synergies.

In commenting about the contract, A-Z Information Chief Executive Officer Dr Noel Watson said the company is looking forward to working together with the CTO to help define and frame the profile of the creative, innovative and resilient tourism sector leadership and the workforce that will help fashion 21st Century Caribbean tourism.

According to Watson, “A-Z is deeply honoured to have been selected to execute this strategically pivotal project in collaboration with the CTO. Especially at such an unprecedented moment in the history of our region and people”.

He added: “The convergence of the potentially crippling impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, the rapidly growing effects of climate change. As a result, this presents us with a unique opportunity in this regional HR audit of the industry’s current leadership. In addition to workforce knowledge, skills and attitude.”