The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

BAHA Mar gave students from public and private schools an opportunity to explore the tourism industry and learn about career opportunities during a week-long educational initiative that concluded on Friday.

The programme included tours of the resort, allowing students to explore its facilities, learn about its various departments and gain insight into employment opportunities within the hospitality industry.

Robert Sands, Baha Mar's vice president of government and external affairs, said the initiative had three main objectives: allowing students to experience a day as tourists; introducing them to the resort's amenities; and exposing them to potential career paths.

He said the resort offered a wide range of careers requiring different skills, including culinary arts, customer service, information technology and hospitality.

The students, who were in Grades 9, 10 and 11, also learned about the benefits available to Baha Mar employees.

Mr Sands said the initiative was intended to encourage young people to consider their career options before graduating from high school.

Although the programme was being held on this scale for the first time, he said Baha Mar regularly conducted outreach visits to schools to introduce students to the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Baha Mar hosted its ninth annual benefits fair on Friday, bringing together 29 external vendors offering information and services in areas including healthcare, finance and fitness.

Kelli Rolle, the resort's director of benefits, said this year's fair was held under the theme “Travel With Benefits, Travel Towards Better”, with an airport-inspired setting designed to encourage employee participation.

The event allowed employees to meet vendors, ask questions and learn more about available benefits and services.

Ms Rolle said several vendors offered special discounts and packages, while others hosted raffles and promotions for employees who signed up during the fair.