Grant Holmes
Director of Training
African Institute of Hospitality
Grant Holmes has an extensive background in Tourism and Hospitality. He brings a wealth of over 25 years of experience to the African Institute of Hospitality, in Cruise Ship Operations, Tour Operations, Hotel Operations, Tourism based Marketing, Sales and Vocational Training.
Grant Holmes has an extensive background in Tourism and Hospitality. He brings a wealth of over 25 years of experience to the African Institute of Hospitality, in Cruise Ship Operations, Tour Operations, Hotel Operations, Tourism based Marketing, Sales and Vocational Training.
Grant's management experience started in an upscale Caribbean gateway for a leading UK Tour Operator in 1990. Performance resulted in best customer service and sales worldwide.
In 1992 he was tasked to manage operations and training for the central region in the Algarve (225,000 tourists + 50 staff) for Owners Abroad.
From 1993 to 1998 Grant divided his time between Venezuela & Portugal. In Margarita Island he gained experience in the Real Estate developments and a number of Tourism related projects from Youth Hostals to Posadas and Yacht charters. In Northern Portugal Grant developed an emerging Tourism region "Costa Verde" for the British market. Here he also lectured at a regional Tourism school.
From 1993 to 1998 Grant divided his time between Venezuela & Portugal. In Margarita Island he gained experience in the Real Estate developments and a number of Tourism related projects from Youth Hostals to Posadas and Yacht charters. In Northern Portugal Grant developed an emerging Tourism region "Costa Verde" for the British market. Here he also lectured at a regional Tourism school.
In 1999 Grant set up, recruited, trained and developed the First Choice Cruises team and directed operations on the Bolero from inception. Here his team exceeded high budget expectations by 50% for sales and by 25% for Customer service in the first year and a half of operation.
Success led to his appointment at Festival Cruises in 2000. Grants position quickly evolved to Director of On Board Revenue / Marketing, Shore Excursions & Tour Operations. He managed a 110 million euro income generation budget and innovated revenue and customer service linked training that delivered a comparative industry best in 2003 for a European fleet of 8 ships (averaging 45+ euro pppd), whilst optimizing customer service in harmony.
Success led to his appointment at Festival Cruises in 2000. Grants position quickly evolved to Director of On Board Revenue / Marketing, Shore Excursions & Tour Operations. He managed a 110 million euro income generation budget and innovated revenue and customer service linked training that delivered a comparative industry best in 2003 for a European fleet of 8 ships (averaging 45+ euro pppd), whilst optimizing customer service in harmony.
Today Grant is proud to spearhead Progress International Tourism & Business Services Ltd, where along with his excellent team of Consultants, they have built an impressive client list featuring Costa Crociere, Aida Cruises, Iberocruceros, Silversea Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Louis Cruises, World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations, the Government of Cyprus, Larnaka Municipality and several international ports & Tourism Companies.
Areas of specific Expertise
Areas of specific Expertise
- Cruise Ship and Hotel Operations.
- The creation and delivery of customized Training.
- Customer Service and communication skills.
- Train the Trainer (how people learn).
- Marketing & Revenue optimization.
- Hospitality Industry.
