The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) is calling on New Zealand hospitality specialists and businesses to collaborate on the upskilling of industry workers ahead of borders reopening.
The STA has launched the South Pacific Tourism Virtual Exchange Program which will enable international industry skill-sharing via interactive online webinars, mentoring sessions and the sharing of key industry insights and resources, with a particular focus on food and beverage and language lessons.
Once international border restrictions ease, phase two of the programme will facilitate face-to-face experiences in Samoa.
While Samoa continues to be one of the few nations free of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic has been felt across the country, with the majority of Samoa’s tourist hotspots owned by local families.
The international initiative is part of a SAT$1 million investment from the Government of Samoa to provide free industry courses and financial assistance to its tourism and hospitality workforce.
“It’s been a challenging year for many of our tourism and hospitality operators, particularly those who rely so heavily on international visitors to keep them afloat,” says Samoa Tourism Authority CEO, Fa’amatuainu Lenatai Suifua.
“The new training program provides a fantastic opportunity for these struggling businesses and displaced employees to learn from some the best in the world.
“We look forward to welcoming the New Zealand businesses wanting to exchange industry expertise with our tourism aiga (family) over the coming months.”
All New Zealand businesses and specialists that take part in the Samoa Tourism Virtual Exchange Program will enter the draw to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Samoa.
To join the training programme, email samoa@thrivepr.com.au, providing insight into your industry expertise and what you can provide to Samoan tourism operators as part of the virtual training programme.
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