Seven areas need upskilling in Tourism and Hospitality Sector Featured
Industry Training Advisory Committee (ITAC) members during evaluation of the National Certificate in Cookery Level 3 & 4
15 January, 2020. A few years ago, the Ministry of Tourism and members of the industry identified, the need to upskill and provide more training targeting the gaps in the tourism labour force, in order for tourism to realise its full potential.
Tourism expert, former CEO of the Ministry of Tourism but now the Director of Pacific Studies and Relations and Tourism Management Academic Leader at the Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) Dr Semisi Taumoepeau and his research team examined the situation and recommended areas for upskilling.
They agreed on seven (7) key qualifications in the area of;
i) Customer Service
ii) Front Office Management
iii) Tour Guides
iv) Whale Guides
v) Hospitality Food and Services
vi) Cookery
vii) Commercial Cookery
Tonga Skills was approached for funding and we now have seven (7) new national qualifications processed by Tonga National Qualification Accreditation Board (TNQAB).
The cookery qualifications – Certificate in Level 3 & 4 are being finalized this week and will join a pool of 7 national qualifications to be delivered soon.
It is expected that these new national qualifications will help create new pathways and careers for school leavers and existing industry workers.
The Ministry acknowledges the astounding efforts and tireless work from the relevant counterparts – Dr Semisi and his team from AIS for developing the qualifications, TNQAB for their efforts in assuring the quality standards of the proposed qualifications, ITAC Members for providing sound advice to the developer and to all members of Tonga tourism industry for availing your time and attending the consultations to finalize the seven (7) tourism national qualifications.
With the completion of this milestones, the Ministry is looking forward for a blooming industry with high quality standard of services and products available for tourists and visitors to the Kingdom of Tonga.
