Yachting Sector Study & Boat Boys Training
The OPSR provided funding for the Yachting Sector Development Study, which addressed a very critical segment of the tourism industry that has hitherto received little attention from policy makers and development planners. The result was a strategic approach to the development of the industry and a rationalization of roles and responsibilities among the key management agencies. The study led to the growth and transformation of the sector in a significant way. As a direct result of the study and through additional assistance from the OPSR, a large number of ancillary service providers, “boat boys”, who had been operating informally have been recognized. Some have been supported in improving and better organizing their business in a manner that is now more conducive to the growth of the sector.
These traditional “boat boys” who frequently hung around the marinas doing odd jobs as demand arose, have now been formally organized and trained to provide key services to the yachting sector. They are now classified as “Tourism Water-Based Freelancers” and have been given proper identification cards in order to operate. This target group also received formal training in entrepreneurship and business management to ensure the future growth of their enterprises. In the final analysis, what was once considered a negative aspect and security risk to the yachting industry has now been transformed into an asset.
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