In an exciting development for the country’s tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) project management committee and 10 provincial tourism departments, has successfully trained over 3,000 individuals to become skilled professionals in the sector.
The HoKa project has been instrumental in offering comprehensive training programs to low-skilled workers in various fields such as front office, housekeeping, food and beverage services, culinary arts, barista skills, and community tour guiding. Thanks to this initiative, a total of 3,347 people have received the necessary expertise to excel in their respective areas.
The partnership between the Ministry Tourism and Swisscontact Cambodia reached its third anniversary milestone this August. This collaboration has enabled the ministry to work closely with 10 targeted provincial tourism departments to provide top-notch hospitality training.
The provinces of Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Ratanakkiri, Mondulkiri, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, and Oddar Meanchey have particularly benefitted from this program. These regions have witnessed the emergence of a new generation of qualified hospitality professionals.
This training endeavor was made possible through close collaboration with the private sector, tourism industrial associations, vocational training schools, and other relevant partners. The involvement of a core team comprised of 353 HoKa trainers and 23 core trainer evaluators, alongside 18 professionals in the Professional Placement Program (PIP), has been instrumental in the success of the initiative.
Under this program, the ministry’s committee has signed training agreements with a total of 106 tour operators, encouraging their staff, managers, and business owners to participate in the training courses and upgrade their skills.
Chuob Ratana, director of the ministry’s Tourism Development Planning department and an experienced tourism skills trainer, shared some insightful information. He revealed that prior to the training, trainees were earning an average monthly income of $186. However, after completing the program, their incomes increased significantly to an average of $223 per month, reflecting a promising 20% rise.
“This program is designed to enhance the capacity of individuals already working in the tourism sector. With improved service capabilities, they can now enjoy an increase of about 20% in their salaries,” said Chuob Ratana.
One of the remarkable achievements of this program has been the successful transformation of tourism officials and business owners into trainers themselves. This accomplishment has further strengthened the overall training landscape in the industry.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with HoKa and their dedicated partners, is confident that this venture will continue to bolster the growth and professionalism of the country’s tourism sector. With the newly trained professionals equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, Cambodia’s reputation as a premier tourism destination is set to soar to even greater heights.
Source and Photos : CHUOB RATANA
