INFOTEP Director visits Antigua and Barbuda to boost tourism and hospitality training

Santo Domingo.- In a groundbreaking move to enhance tourism and hospitality expertise, Rafael Santos Badía, Director General of the Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP) in the Dominican Republic, traveled to Antigua and Barbuda today to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with that country’s Minister of Tourism.

This partnership aims to empower workers in both nations through professional training, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of innovative technologies to increase productivity and competitiveness. The agreement includes provisions for training facilitators, exchanging instructors and interns, and providing skill-building opportunities for the Dominican diaspora in Antigua and Barbuda. Courses will be offered in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility.

“The signing of this agreement is a significant step in strengthening our ties and fostering sustainable growth in the tourism sector for both countries,” said Santos Badía. “Tourism continues to be a cornerstone of global economic development, and for the Dominican Republic, it has been a vital engine for job creation and cultural promotion.”

The MOU reflects a shared commitment to advancing the skills of tourism professionals in ways that promote strategic planning and sustainable industry growth. By equipping workers with state-of-the-art training, the initiative seeks to elevate service standards and enrich the visitor experience in both destinations.

Accompanying Santos Badía were Julio Cordero, a member of INFOTEP’s Board of Directors, and Edgar Pimentel, Director of International Cooperation.

Diplomatic engagements and strategic goals

During their visit, the Dominican delegation will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, Dominican Ambassador Raquel Jacobo, and key members of the Dominican community.

This collaboration underscores the vital role of tourism as a driver of cultural exchange and economic opportunity, offering both nations a pathway to greater competitiveness in the global tourism sector.