The Caribbean Innkeeper - Small Hotel Resource Information Centre

OAS Technology Program

In addition to the Caribbean Innkeeper web site, the OAS Technology Program has two other components described below.

Technology walk-in centers are located in either the National Hotel Association offices or another appropriate location like the Ministry of Tourism in each country participating in the OAS Small Hotels Assistance Project. Each centre is comprised of a computer workstation available for use by small hoteliers. The Technology Walk-in Centre provides Internet access and is administered by the Small Hotel Coordinator. It is open to all small hoteliers in the country.

The Net Corps Program provides training for the Small Hotel Coordinator in each participating country. It provides volunteer web site and Internet specialists to assist small hoteliers and deliver technical services from the Technology Walk-in Centre. The volunteers will assist small hoteliers with everything from connecting to e-mail to building home pages.

Visit the Netcorps Americas website

to learn about how they can assist you.

Technology Programs

The needs assessment conducted in 1998 indicated that the few hotels utilizing technology within their operations (particularly those with websites) realized great benefits in both management efficiency and marketing. In this regard, STEP implemented a technology program in 1999 to address the needs of those needing to be trained in the area of technology. The Net Corps volunteer program was deemed appropriate for this venture. Volunteers are selected from across North America and Canada based on the expertise in various areas of technology. After an orientation session in Washington, DC., Volunteers are deployed. All volunteers are provided with airfare (to orientation and to the countries), travel expenses, health insurance and a modest stipend. The volunteers move from hotel to hotel to provide training based on the identified needs of the each property. The properties provide accommodations and meals in return for basic computer training, assistance with small hotel software design and development for enhancements of websites, accounting systems, and general advice and training in use of technology. Needs vary from hotel to hotel and country to country. The STEP technology program will continue for the next 2 years although as a reduced rate given that many hotels have already been served.

*Click here for volunteer recruitment form, volunteer application , volunteer tech needs, and non-tech needs forms.

The OAS was able to draw on two programs; Net Corps Canada providing volunteers for four to six-month terms, and Net Corps Americas providing six to eight-week terms for their volunteers. The program has delivered over 30 volunteers to date.

The STEP technology program will continue for next two years, although at a reduced rate given that many hotels have already been served. The emphasis in subsequent years will be placed on volunteers in the hotel management, marketing and operations area through programs like the Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO).