Building global careers: Dart’s Hospitality Exchange Programme empowers emerging talent

Twelve hospitality professionals from the Cayman Islands, Anguilla and the United States were selected to participate in international exchange modules through Dart’s Hospitality Training Programme (DHTP). The cross-training initiative, designed for high-performing employees across Dart’s hospitality portfolio, provides participants with an immersive, hands-on experience across different hotel brands and cultural settings – strengthening industry knowledge and positioning them for long-term career advancement. 

DHTP graduates Alexia Smith, Daniel Dixon, Kylie Bell-Pearson and Josiah Johnson travelled from the Cayman Islands to Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, where they completed rotations across multiple departments, including banquets and events, concierge, finance, food and beverage, front desk and sales and marketing. The trainees also learned Four Seasons’ signature turn-down service – an integral component of its luxury guest experience – and explored the guest journey from pre-arrival through departure. 

Reflecting on her experience, Kylie Bell-Pearson, a 2023 DHTP graduate and guest relations team member at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, described the exchange as transformative and unforgettable. “This experienced changed me. I’ve learned that true luxury is not just service; it’s heart. Most of all, I discovered how much I love hospitality.”

While in Anguilla, the four Caymanians also immersed themselves in the island’s culture, toured the destination and even visited the West End Primary School where they read to young students. 

In a reciprocal exchange, Four Seasons Anguilla team members Evelyne Apire-Hodge, Tre Gumbs, Jemaurah Richardson and Velroy Vanterpool visited Grand Cayman, where they completed placements at Bonny Moon Beach Club, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. 

Jemaurah Richardson, a food and beverage assistant manager at Four Seasons Anguilla, noted the value of cross-brand exposure. “There were moments of both learning and teaching, which enriched my understanding and perspective. While all properties share a common commitment to exceptional service, it was inspiring to observe the unique execution styles across different teams.”

Building on the programme’s continued success, Dart expanded its scope through a new academic partnership with Flagler University in St. Augustine, Florida. The collaboration blends traditional university instruction with hands-on training across a range of the city’s well-known resorts, historic attractions and tourism operations, offering participants a balanced and comprehensive learning experience. 

Angel Smith and Allyson Edwards, also graduates of DHTP, spent two weeks in St. Augustine, dividing their time between classroom learning and work shadowing. Classes covered global best practices in tourism, resort management, wedding planning and guest experience, while practical training took place at the Renaissance St. Augustine Hotel Historic Downtown, the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront and at the Treasury on the Plaza, a historic wedding venue. 

During their downtime, the pair experienced St. Augustine as visitors, exploring the Colonial Quarter, ziplining over Alligator Alley and joining a historic walking tour of the city.

“I came home with a new perspective, a fresh mindset and new ideas and hopes for Cayman’s hospitality and tourism sector,” said Edwards, who has since begun her Bachelor of Science degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey. 

Meanwhile, Flagler University students Mike Bolivar and Randy Giglio visited Grand Cayman, where they shadowed teams at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman. Their experience included learning about The Ritz-Carlton’s business model, talent development strategies and service philosophy, as well as hands-on work within the Hampton by Hilton’s front desk, housekeeping and recreation departments. 

In addition, Bolivar and Giglio participated in a customer service programme where the participants learnt how to enhance visitors’ experience through local culture, heritage and service skills. They also met the current DHTP cohort and visited various cultural landmarks, such as Hell, Ms. Vivine’s, the Mission House and the Cayman Turtle Centre. 

Giglio said: “[This] was a truly eye-opening and unforgettable experience. I saw how each hotel is unique, catering to different demographics and guest expectations and this showed me how different strategies are applied depending on the brand and clientele.” 

“The scale and diversity of our hospitality portfolio allow us to intentionally create professional development pathways that are truly unique – providing opportunities for learning across multiple hospitality brands, cultures and countries,” said Joanne Lawson, chief of staff at Dart. 

“Our people are our greatest asset at Dart, and investing in their growth is fundamental to building a strong, sustainable tourism industry. By stepping outside of the familiar, participants build confidence, independence and broader global perspective, returning home better equipped to elevate service standards and enhance the overall guest experience.” 

Dianne Conolly, hospitality programme manager at Dart, accompanied the participants during each exchange and facilitated the training, learning and mentoring aspects of the programme. “Being able to witness the participants grow in confidence, independence and professionalism is incredibly rewarding. I watch them arrive curious and eager and return home with a sense of purpose and pride. It reinforces why the programme matters – not just for the individual, but for the future our tourism and hospitality industry.”

The Dart Hospitality Exchange Programme forms part of Dart’s broader, long-term commitment to developing local talent and strengthening Cayman’s tourism industry. Through continued investment in training, the programme is designed to create lasting impact for both the participants and the wider destination. 

Applications to participate in the Dart Hospitality Training Progamme are being accepted through 6 April 2026. To learn more and apply, click here.