CIDOT & Lemoneight Consulting Announce Partnership to Modernise PRIDE Training
The Ministry and Department of Tourism (CIDOT) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Lemoneight Consulting (Lemoneight) that will redesign and modernise the customer focused PRIDE Training Programme, short for Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence. The collaboration will leverage CIDOT's industry and institutional knowledge with Lemoneight’s professional development capabilities, to deliver a reimagined PRIDE Training syllabus that reflects the evolving demands of the global tourism industry while remaining firmly rooted in Caymanian values, culture, and identity.
Founded in 2020, Lemoneight Consulting is an ITOL-accredited training centre that has delivered tourism training programmes for more than 70 governments and destinations worldwide. The agency was selected following a comprehensive evaluation process that not only highlighted their experience and expertise in tourism-focused training and hybrid learning models, but saw strong alignment with CIDOT’s strategic objectives, including building an “ambassador mindset” amongst tourism professionals.
The updated PRIDE Training Programme will feature a refreshed curriculum and a hybrid learning model that combines in-person training with digital learning, making the programme more accessible to tourism stakeholders across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The new approach will also expand training in areas such as cultural storytelling, visitor engagement and business development, reinforcing the CIDOTs commitment to developing a confident, skilled workforce that delivers exceptional and authentically Caymanian visitor experiences.
Importantly, CIDOT will retain ownership of the programme’s intellectual property and content, ensuring the PRIDE Training Programme remains a Caymanian-led initiative grounded in local identity and traditions. The redesigned programme will introduce a structured train-the-trainer framework to build long-term local capacity to ensure the programme’s sustainability. It will also include structured performance measurement capabilities aligned to key indicators such as participant satisfaction, skills retention, ambassador mindset application, and overall visitor experience impact.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, Hon. Gary Rutty, said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to investing in Caymanians and strengthening the tourism workforce.
“Investing in our people is investing in the future of Cayman’s tourism industry. The PRIDE Training Programme has long been a cornerstone of preparing Caymanians to take ownership of their role in one of our most important economic sectors. Modernising the programme ensures our training remains world-class while continuing to reflect our culture, heritage and values.”
He added that the programme is designed to create stronger career pathways for Caymanians and ensure visitors experience the authentic hospitality the Cayman Islands are known for.
Claudine Pohl, Founder and CEO of Lemoneight Consulting, said the partnership aims to strengthen the visitor experience through empowered tourism professionals. “We are proud to partner with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on this important initiative supporting the continued advancement of tourism in the Cayman Islands,” said Pohl. “By combining hands-on training with modern e-learning tools, the programme will empower tourism professionals to confidently represent their islands and create authentic experiences for visitors.”
Commenting on the partnership, Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris stated, "CIDOT are looking forward to collaborating with Lemoneight to deliver a reimagined PRIDE Training syllabus that reflects the evolving demands of the global tourism industry while consistently educating on and celebrating our Caymanian identity. This partnership signals our commitment to ensuring that our tourism workforce development and training programmes maintain a high standard and on pace in our dynamic industry."
Further details regarding the updated programme's rollout timeline and enrolment will be announced in the coming months. Persons interested in the PRIDE Training can visit ourcayman.ky/education-and-training/pride or contact pride@caymanislands.ky.
