Dominica, known as “The Nature Island” of the Caribbean, is stepping up its efforts to deliver a truly unspoiled Caribbean product, with a world-class hospitality experience to boot. On the heels of Secret Bay being named Travel + Leisure’s No. 1 Resort Hotel in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas, its parent company is setting up initiatives to uplift tourism and linkage sectors.
The launch of a new hospitality school is undoubtedly the highlight. Led by Dominica-born Gregor Nassief, GEMS Holdings Limited has launched two new philanthropic efforts –GEMS Foundation and GEMS Hospitality School, to reflect the company’s focus on combining environmental consciousness with a commitment to delivering authentic, life-enriching experiences.
The impact-driven, Caribbean-based company has a long history of making a positive social and environmental impact on communities by creating programs that educate, connect and support the people and nature of Dominica. The GEMS Foundation will support projects in four key areas: environment; education; entrepreneurship; and entertainment and the arts.
The new hospitality school, which falls under the auspices of the education initiative, will provide students the opportunity to gain practical skills in the hospitality industry through job exposure and classroom education. Its main objective is to train and develop Dominicans for fulfilling careers in tourism and to ensure that they understand the importance of the industry to Dominica.
Each hospitality program will run for three months; the next intake, which will focus on food and beverage, front desk and housekeeping, is set for August 15, 2022. The GEMS portfolio includes Secret Bay, The Residences at Secret Bay, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, and Tibay Villas.
