Partnership expands access to AI-driven education and workforce readiness in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with DeVry University and the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, has announced the launch of two professional development courses designed to help employees, managers and business leaders build practical skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and prepare for a rapidly changing workplace.
DeVry University is a U.S.-based university with a 95-year history of providing career-focused education designed to meet the evolving needs of the workplace. Through DeVryPro, its innovative learning platform, DeVry helps individuals and organisations upskill and reskill as AI reshapes industries and roles.
The launch follows World Tourism Day, celebrated Sept. 27 under the 2026 theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” The theme focuses on the role of AI in changing how travelers choose destinations, how tourism businesses operate and how visitor experiences are designed. It also calls for greater investment in digital skills and wider access to technology so workers, businesses and destinations can participate meaningfully in tourism’s digital future.
For the ABHTA, this partnership moves the conversation around AI beyond understanding the technology to equipping people with the skills and confidence to use it effectively and responsibly in the workplace.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer something that we can view as being in the distant future. It is here, it is already changing how we work, and we have to ensure that our people are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities it presents,” said Patrice Simon, Executive Director of the ABHTA. “The World Tourism Day theme could not be more timely. If we are serious about redesigning tourism and remaining competitive as a destination, then we must invest in our people. Technology will continue to evolve, but our greatest investment must remain in developing the skills of the people who will use that technology to improve our businesses, our productivity and ultimately the visitor experience.”
Two courses designed for today’s workplace
The first course, AI for All, is designed to build practical, real-world AI skills and requires no technical or coding experience. Learners will explore AI fundamentals, develop stronger prompting skills, use AI to improve everyday productivity, turn data into insights, explore practical automation and consider issues related to accuracy, privacy, bias and ethics. The programme includes hands-on exposure to tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude and Gemini.
The second course, Finance Essentials for Managers with AI, is aimed at managers and professionals who want to strengthen their financial confidence while learning how AI can support financial analysis, planning and decision-making. Learners will develop skills in reading financial statements, building budgets and forecasts, communicating financial insights, managing financial risk and applying AI to financial workflows.
Both courses are offered on demand, providing working professionals with the flexibility to balance their studies with work and other commitments. Learners can complete the courses in up to five weeks at their own pace.
Upon successful completion, participants will earn a DeVryPro certificate of completion, a recognised credential reflecting skills they can apply immediately in the workplace.
Businesses are also encouraged to incorporate the programmes into their employee development plans. Organisations registering multiple employees can benefit from tuition savings, providing an opportunity to build AI capabilities across teams.
Beginning of a long-term partnership
The launch of the two courses represents the first step in a broader, long-term partnership among the ABHTA, DeVry University and the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce.
The partners intend to expand the range of professional development opportunities available locally, with plans to explore additional educational opportunities, including degree programmes.
“We want this partnership to pave a suitable pathway, added Martin Cave, Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce. “Someone may begin today by taking AI for All, but we want them to see that as the beginning and not the end of their professional development. Our goal is to give Antiguans and Barbudans greater access to relevant education, professional certification and, ultimately, degree programmes that allow our people to continue advancing in their careers.”
The initiative extends beyond the tourism industry. Through the collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, the partners aim to make practical AI and business skills accessible to professionals and organisations across Antigua and Barbuda.
Registration is now open. Individuals and businesses interested in participating can scan the QR code on programme materials or visit DeVryPro’s dedicated ABHTA registration portal to create an account and connect directly with DeVry.
For more information, including course fees and to register, click here.
About ABHTA
The ABHTA collectively represents the hospitality industry by educating, advocating and promoting to increase visitation and the economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The primary focus is on the needs and best interests of the members of the Association. The membership of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association is open to all hotels, restaurants, airlines, and companies directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Joining the Association is a way of showing your support of the island’s tourism product and helping us to further develop our tourism industry.
About the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce
The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce is a Not-for-Profit, Member-Subscribed, Private Sector, Business Service Organization. Since 1944, we have represented a wide cross-section of our membership in both the goods and services sectors. We aim to reduce the cost of doing business through encouraging Research and Development; investing in Human Capital; so that our economy grows organically. For more information, contact us at info@antiguabarbudachamber.com
About DeVry University
DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org/). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: DeVry University, ABHTA, and Chamber of Commerce Launch AI-Focused Professional Development Courses.