THTI Marks a Remarkable Quarter-Century of Pioneering Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education in Tobago

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MT. ST. GEORGE, TOBAGO, September 6, 2023: September 8, 2023 marks the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute’s 26th Anniversary. As the institute reflects on this remarkable journey and its many achievements, it is the unwavering commitment to providing quality education and shaping the future of the hospitality and tourism industry in Tobago and beyond that continues to be the driving force behind its enduring legacy.

The Institute has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the field of hospitality and tourism education over the last two and a half decades, continuously generating industry leaders and professionals who have made their mark on the world stage.  Beyond academic excellence, THTI has fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The institute encourages students to think creatively, explore new ideas, and develop their entrepreneurial spirit, with many graduates setting up their own businesses.

THTI’s journey began on September 8, 1997 with a mission to address the need for trained professionals in the growing tourism and hospitality industries in order to compete in a globally competitive market, alongside other Caribbean islands.  Along the way, the Institute has recorded some significant achievements beginning with incorporation in 2006 as a Non-Profit Organization under the ownership of the Tobago House of Assembly. 

The Institute continued to expand, forging regional and international partnerships and recognition. In 2009, THTI became the first indigenous Tobago institution to be registered with the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT). In 2014 THTI was awarded Institutional Accreditation and re-accredited in 2019 for an additional 5 years. 

Two decades plus later, THTI boasts four (4) Associate Degree Programmes in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Studies, Food and Beverage and Tourism Studies and numerous short courses. Plans are under way to introduce a Bachelor’s Degree Programme.

Local and international partnerships offer the students academic pathways to pursue further education in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at several local and international institutions such as the University of the West Indies (UWI), Business and Hotel Management School (Switzerland) and Johnson & Wales University (USA). Through these partnerships and internship opportunities, THTI nurtures the next generation of hospitality innovators, empowering them to make significant contributions to the industry. 

From early on, THTI has played a significant role in Tobago in activities beyond its campus and academic programmes. From hosting hospitality functions at events such as Tobago Jazz Festival to participating in key forums such as the Tourism Youth Congress organized by the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, the Institute has established its reputation and influence as a trusted partner of the hospitality and tourism industry in Tobago and beyond. 

Now in the second year of a 3-year initiative to implement the Tobago Industry Customer Service Training program across the island, THTI has joined forces with the Tobago Tourism Agency (TTAL) in collaboration with Uplifting Service, a global leader in customer service programs, to establish an unprecedented, culture-shaping, 3-year customer service training programme aimed at cultivating a culture of service excellence in Tobago. To-date over 75 customer service training workshops have been delivered for key sector players such as the Airport Authority of Trinidad & Tobago, Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resorts, several units within the Tobago House of Assembly, as well as many businesses and associations in the hospitality and tourism sector. To find out more on this programme visit: www.thti.edu.tt/training

The Institute’s 26th anniversary programme includes a Thanksgiving Ceremony on September 15, 2023 and a series of upcoming events that invite the public to explore the campus and savor the renowned student-prepared dinners. On September 13, 2023 THTI will be hosting live demos, sampling and booth displays in recognition of World Chocolate Day. Activities will be published on THTI’s website at www.thti.edu.tt  and everyone can join the celebrations on social media at www.facebook.com/realTobagoTHTI and www.instagram.com/thti_tobago

For more information, please send enquiries to:

Contact: Mr. Stephen Sheppard, CEO, Tobago Hospitality &Tourism Institute (THTI)

Tel: 868-741-9779

Email: stephen.sheppard@thti.edu.tt  

ABOUT THTI

The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) is Tobago’s premier tertiary education institution that develops human capital for the economy’s hospitality, tourism, and related sectors. THTI was founded in 1997 to address the need for trained professionals to compete in a globally competitive market alongside other Caribbean islands. In 2009, THTI became the first indigenous Tobago institution registered with the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT). THTI attained ACTT Institutional Accreditation status in 2014 and again in 2019. Located on a 100-acre estate of pristine forest lands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, THTI’s sprawling campus is nestled within farming and fishing communities of Mount St. George, Tobago. The Institute offers many short courses in Tourism; Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Food & Beverage alongside its standard Associate Degree Programmes.

Tel: 868-303-5153 / 868-660-2196

Email: info@thti.edu.tt