Training Workshop Concluded with Taxi Stand Visits

Author: BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission

Starting at West End on Friday morning, the group visited taxi stands throughout the island before concluding at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport taxi stand that afternoon.

The BVI Tourist Board concluded its week long training session for taxi drivers and tour operators with a visit to taxi stands around Tortola last Friday. Speaking with drivers at the Road Town taxi Stand were; Product Development Manager, Natasha Chalwell, Taxi Liaison Officer, Arvan Hodge, workshop trainer, Richard Blades and Businesses Development Coordinator, Jamila Vanterpool.
Photo Credit: BVITBBlades said the visits were important to reach drivers that were unable to attend sessions. “By going out to meet drivers in their environment we still have the chance to chat with them and share information that will be important to their business and the overall service the BVI provides to tourist.”

Bob Henley, a taxi driver for over 15 years stated the importance of ongoing training. “The richest of guys need training.” Henley said. “Tourism is an industry that I love and things change in the industry all the time. I see areas of my service which I would like to improve and the workshop was good for helping me improve the way I interact and deal with certain matters with tourists.” Henley concluded.

Over 130 taxi drivers registered for the workshop. Sessions were held on Virgin Gorda and Tortola. Workshops included sessions on standards of customer service, business management and personal development.

During the workshop sessions and stand visits, the Tourist Board also had an opportunity to listen to drivers and hear their concerns. The Board’s Product Development Manger, Natasha Chalwell said, “Though the workshop was a refresher training course for drivers, it also gave us an opportunity to have a clearer sense of how we can assist drivers in improving their service that will add to the overall experience of travellers to the BVI.”

Chalwell added, “Some good ideas came from drivers on ways both drivers and the Board can work together. Based on the discussions we had we will be looking at issues such as revisiting the present tariff for services and publishing fares.”

Earlier this year the Board appointed Arvan Hodge as the Taxi Liaison Officer. He has been regularly meeting with drivers in efforts to forge a better partnership with the industry’s transportation providers. Hodge has been working with the Tourist Board since September 1999.

During the workshop, the newly produced pocket guide book for the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke were given to drivers. The book provides drivers with information about the history, culture and sites of each of the four main islands in the Territory. The Board anticipates that by enhancing the knowledge of drivers, their tours should become even more exciting and informative for visitors.