Beaches Turks & Caicos, FIU train next generation of hospitality leaders in Providenciales  

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos and Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management have joined forces to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands, partnering with Clement Howell High School and Oseta Jolly Primary School during FIU’s recent education abroad visit.

BTC & FIU training with Clement Howell High and Oseta Jolly Primary student leaders

As part of FIU’s Education Abroad programme, a delegation from the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management travelled to Providenciales to engage students in interactive sessions on careers in tourism, leadership and customer service. Hosted by Beaches Turks and Caicos, the programme blended classroom-style presentations with on-resort exposure, underscoring the resort’s long-standing commitment to youth development and training across the islands. FIU, consistently ranked among the top hospitality management schools in the United States, used the visit to highlight international study opportunities and the global reach of a hospitality degree.

Beaches Turks and Caicos, a flagship all-inclusive family resort on Providenciales, has developed a reputation for structured training and mentorship, frequently opening its doors to local students for hands-on learning and industry immersion. This new collaboration with FIU’s Chaplin School builds on that foundation by linking local classrooms directly to a world-recognised university programme, giving students early exposure to academic pathways and professional standards in tourism.

At Clement Howell High School, FIU faculty, students and Beaches representatives met with aspiring hospitality professionals in a series of workshops and talks. Sessions focused on leadership, guest experience, innovation in tourism and the importance of regulatory standards and sustainable practices for a destination whose economy is anchored in travel and hospitality. Students also heard about internship pipelines, scholarship options and the practical steps required to transition from secondary school to university-level studies in hospitality management.

FIU alumna and Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Anya Williams, delivered an energizing address, encouraging students to see themselves as future global leaders. “To build strong networks with the visiting FIU team, we have to build relationships now which will open doors to study overseas as well as mentorship and career opportunities.” Williams also highlighted how her own journey, including her time at FIU, helped shape her path to national leadership and underscored the value of combining academic excellence with service to country.

The delegation extended its outreach to Oseta Jolly Primary School. There, Clement Howell, FIU and Beaches volunteers tailored activities for younger students, introducing them to basic leadership skills. The sessions reinforced values already central to the school—respect, cleanliness and excellence.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Rachel Taylor, praised the collaboration, noting that strategic partnerships with world-class institutions are vital to aligning the national education agenda with the realities of a tourism-driven economy. She commended Beaches Turks and Caicos and FIU for investing time and resources in local students and said she looks forward to continued collaboration that will expand access to training, scholarships and international exposure for young Turks and Caicos Islanders. Taylor also emphasized that initiatives like this complement government-backed hospitality training efforts already underway with industry partners across the islands.

General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, reaffirmed the resort’s commitment to developing local talent and supporting the wider community. He noted that the success of the Turks and Caicos tourism product depends on a strong developmental programme of well-trained, passionate professionals who understand both global standards and local culture.