Capacity building for tourism and logistics: redefining the role of human resources

Purpose This paper aims to examine the current position of human resources in Caribbean ports and how this position has impacted the development of tourism and logistics in the region. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research was used to describe the data collected from five different ports across the Caribbean. Documents and interviews were chosen because the study is limited to five ports with five senior managers. Findings The study shows that, on average, 20 per cent of Caribbean port workers are provided with new skills in the areas of technology, human resource development, information technology, health and safety and handling of dangerous goods and customs documentation. Practical implications There is a need for a re-think among educational institutions in the Caribbean in relation to the development of human resources for the logistics and tourism industries. The implications of this study go beyond the Caribbean, given the global nature of the maritime constituency. Originality/value This paper draws on an MSc research project and offers directions for further research in logistics and supply chain management.