Aerial view of Prospect Reef Resort [Photo courtesy Prospect Reef Resort]

Gov to transform Prospect Reef into Hospitality Training Centre

Prospect Reef Hotel and Resort is to be converted into a Government-owned comprehensive Hospitality Training Centre. This is according to a disclosure made by Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, on 15 March, when he said that there have been a lot of speculations in the media and elsewhere about the hotel’s future, but he reassured the public that the interests of those employed at the hotel will not be forgotten or ignored.

The Chief Minister said that his government values the service the employees has provided to that hotel and to the entire tourism sector over the years, and he promised that they will not overlook their contribution now. He also pledged that no effort will be spared to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone.

Dr. Smith, who is also Tourism Minister, said that the Training Centre will become a crown jewel of the Territory’s growing professional educational centers, and it will provide young people of the BVI with the opportunity to learn the art of hospitality management at every level, from front desk to the manager’s desk. They will learn about the balancing of books, dealing with staff, and serving customers.

Dr. Smith mentioned that the students will not be learning these skills in theory, instead they will be in an operating hotel dealing with real issues, real customers and learning in the best laboratory in the world - real life business.

The Prospect Reef Hotel is expected to undergo major renovations and improvements aimed at making it a full-service business hotel with proper conference facilities. The renovated facility will be designed to meet the needs of business travelers. It will include internet access, a modern business center and conference rooms that will meet the highest international standards.

A five member Board has been appointed to ensure that Prospect Reef succeeds as a business, to oversee the operations and to protect government’s interests and assets. Mr. Robert Mathavious agreed to serve as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Meade Malone, Ms. Alicia Penn, Mr. Vincent Wheatley and Mr. Micheal Thomas have agreed to be members.

In terms of the day-to-day operation of the hotel, Government is discussing with the management company Interstate Hotels, the largest independent hotel management company in the United States, with the hope that they would agree to be charged with ensuring that the property is well run and that from the first day of business, the hotel is meeting the needs of its customers.

Dr. Smith disclosed that Government  is also discussing with Johnson and Wales University for their assistance in the establishment of a training program. Johnson and Wales University is one of the largest and well respected hospitality training institutions in the US. The training program will be conducted in partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Read more about it on page 6.