BTA Aims to Enroll 300 New AnchorBda Participants By Year-End
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has launched a bold challenge, aiming to enroll 300 new participants in its AnchorBDA programme before the end of 2024. This initiative seeks to enhance the skills and service standards of Bermuda residents and hospitality professionals through a comprehensive programme. The first 300 individuals to complete the programme by December 2024 will receive exclusive prizes.
The six-module self-paced course (also available as facilitated classes for groups), is the hallmark programme within the BTA+ an online learning management system that debuted in 2023. The curriculum was developed in Bermuda and assured by City & Guilds, adding further value to the island’s tourism industry.
BTA CEO Tracy Berkeley emphasized the significance of AnchorBDA in the context of Bermuda's National Tourism Plan "The AnchorBDA programme satisfies a critical need for community involvement, as outlined in Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan. This initiative not only elevates the knowledge bank of our tourism workforce but also directly supports a mandate set out in the Bermuda Tourism Authority Act 2014 to encourage education and training appropriate for the industry.”
Berkeley continued, “By investing in the development of our local talent, we are strengthening Bermuda’s position as a quality destination while ensuring our residents are empowered to play an active role in the island’s tourism success. The programme is built by Bermuda, for Bermuda, and that is a key aspect of its value."
Empowering and Inspiring the Local Workforce
AnchorBDA is a programme meticulously crafted for Bermuda and assured by the world-renowned City & Guilds and is currently offered at no cost to subscribers. It provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of Bermuda’s cultural history, tourism goals, authentic customer service, and the importance of sustainability and inclusion. "This training programme is built from the ground up by local Bermuda talent, highlighting Bermuda-centric insights delivered in a package that meets global standards." Berkeley added.
Jakai Franks VP, operations, said, “The programme was designed to inspire confidence in future employers, providing a credential that reflects the highest standards in tourism and service. Today, we invite all Bermuda residents to take advantage of this valuable learning opportunity. We have set an ambitious target - to expose the training to at least 300 people before the end of the year. Whether you serve in a visitor-facing industry, as an employee or employer, want to become a tourism ambassador or even if you are a new resident eager to know more about your new home – AnchorBDA is the ideal tool. “
Davida O’Brien, Tourism Standards & Training Manager, who led the development of AnchorBDA, expressed her enthusiasm about the programme and its potential impact on the industry: "Nurturing AnchorBDA from its inception to its launch has been an exciting and rewarding experience," O’Brien stated. "This programme is not just a tool; it's a movement designed to educate and inspire. And the momentum is building with nearly one-hundred organisations and stakeholders having participated in the programme so far. We encourage individuals, associations and businesses to register for the complimentary programme before the end of the year."
AnchorBDA is now open for registration. The programme is designed for those with an interest in or who are currently involved in Bermuda's tourism industry. Moreover, it is an educational programme for individuals keen to know more about Bermuda. For more information and to register for the programme, visit AnchorBDA Specialist Programme.
