In honor of International Tourist Guide Day (February 21), the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has showcased veteran tourism professional Cleo Henry in the latest installment of its “Unveiling Hospitality Professionals” series. With over 24 years of dedicated service, Ms. Henry has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to tour guiding and destination excellence.
Hailing from Bolans, Cleo Henry was immersed in values of service and professionalism from a young age. Her mother, a kindergarten teacher for 37 years, emphasized education and articulate expression, while her father, a chauffeur in hospitality for five decades, modeled commitment and pride in service. Ms. Henry’s early exposure to tourism came through assisting her father with guest transportation at Jolly Beach, where she learned the importance of presentation and customer care.
After secondary school, she enrolled at the Hotel Training Centre under the mentorship of industry leader Muriel Omarde. She began her career in 2002 as a tour guide with Tropical Adventures and later expanded her expertise through regional and international training programs, including a Train-the-Trainer course in Dominica and accreditation in Cyprus.
As the only WFTGA-accredited trainer in Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Henry has trained hundreds of tourism professionals in tour planning, guiding, and operations. She collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism to pilot a Certified On-Site Tourist Guide Training Programme in 2018 and recently earned a Global Executive Master’s in Hospitality Leadership in Paris.
Today, she leads the Service Ambassador Training programme in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board and the Muriel O’Marde Campus, equipping taxi drivers, vendors, and frontline workers with essential customer service skills.
Committed to mentoring the next generation, Ms. Henry encourages young professionals to pursue continuous training and uphold excellence in representing the nation’s tourism industry. Her story embodies resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s global tourism standing.
The ABHTA continues to promote and advocate for the hospitality sector, supporting members and stakeholders in strengthening the islands’ tourism product.