SANTO DOMINGO. -The National Institute of Technical and Professional Training (INFOTEP) and the Genera ITM Foundation announced the launch of the distinctive cruise port diploma program, an initiative that opens opportunities for the integration of Pedernal residents and surrounding communities into the cruise tourism value chain at Port Cabo Rojo.
The program responds to the dynamism generated by cruise ship operations in Cabo Rojo, and is part of a development vision that seeks to consolidate Pedernales as a strategic tourist hub, directly benefiting its population and the entire southern region.
The first certified cohort, comprised of three groups of 25 participants each, begins on September 29. Graduates will receive their certification in December of this year, strengthening the community's preparedness to effectively integrate into the cruise industry, according to a press release.
The results are already beginning to be reflected in the labor market: in Puerto Cabo Rojo and in the destination's tour operators, 161 Pedernal residents have been trained and hired, which confirms that this initiative opens real opportunities for decent and sustainable employment in the community.
The general director of INFOTEP, Rafael Santos Badía, explained that this diploma program is part of a comprehensive project that seeks to prepare the population to take advantage of the economic and social opportunities that cruise tourism brings.
“With this program, we are putting practical and up-to-date tools in people’s hands, covering customer service, conflict resolution, industry English, hospitality, local culture, sustainability, and safety, among other key areas. This will allow our young people and adults to effectively integrate into a sector that will impact the lives of thousands of families in Pedernales and the entire Enriquillo region,” Santos Badía emphasized.
The diploma course will be held over three months in morning and afternoon sessions, with a curriculum that begins with conversational English and continues with modules on customer service, sustainability, and conflict resolution.
Lludy Terrero, director of the Genera ITM Foundation, highlighted the inclusive and sustainable nature of this initiative, which integrates efforts from the State, the private sector and the community.
“This diploma program is the result of a joint effort between the government, the private sector, and the community. With this certified training, we are integrating people into cruise tourism and strengthening a sustainable model that puts people at the center of development,” said Terrero.
International reach
The program extends beyond Pedernales, as it is also implemented in other ports across the country, such as Taino Bay in Puerto Plata. To date, more than 10,000 people in Mexico, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic have participated in similar training programs promoted by the Genera ITM Foundation, in partnership with educational and training institutions.
Statistics
Since its inception in 2023, 64 training sessions have been conducted, impacting 1,328 participants, of whom 566 are men and 762 are women. The training provided includes customer service, conflict management, water rescue, first aid, fire prevention, workplace safety, hygiene, and food handling, among others.
