SNV rolls out first Hospitality Training Programme

SNV has launched its first Hospitality Training Programme for participants working in Cambodian hospitality sector. The training is presented by the High Impact Tourism Training (HITT) programme, which is funded by the European Commission (EC). The first training session on 8 April was also attended by a member of the Delegation from the European Union to Cambodia, Mr Vincent Vire.

The training programme targets informal and potential workers in the tourism industry with an aim to increasing income, especially among disadvantaged youth and women. The first training event on “Service Excellence” conveyed the importance and linkages between good customer service and increased income. The training module stressed the importance of excellent customer service as the key for the future success of the hospitality business. In addition, the course provided case studies and explains reasons why millions of tourists visit Cambodia. It also offered several tips for delivering great services and how to effectively handle client complaints.

Forthcoming training courses are planned to take place in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kep. Additional modules on Professional Hospitality, Selling Skills, Food Service, Beverage Service and Housekeeping skills will all be presented by the programme. This training programme is a part of SNV implementation of High Impact Tourism Training (HITT) for the informal sector, funded by the EC’s “Investing in People, Education, Knowledge and Skills Programme: Developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training Methodologies and services for the Informal Economy.”

With a total funding of €2.5 million for three years, 2011-2014, the programme aims at contributing to sustainable, scalable, pro-poor economic growth in seven countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Benin, Mali and Mozambique) and Asia (Nepal, Cambodia and Vietnam) through the development and implementation of an integrated, market driven tourism vocational education and training targeting the informal economy.