Tourism Training & HR Development
These projects and activities are aimed at the continuous professional development of people already working in the tourism industry as well as building upon the programmes offered by the University of Malta (UOM) and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS).
Upcoming Events
Safe Training Programme
E-Marketing Information Session
Past Events
S.A.F.E Programme
Recently, the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with Sedqa organised a E-Marketing Information Sessionseries of half-day S.A.F.E Programme seminars (Substance Abuse-Free Employees) for people working in the tourism industry. This programme focuses on raising awareness on substance abuse at the workplace and involves the training of managers / supervisors and employees on substance abuse prevention.
These seminars addressed the issues of gambling, drugs, alcohol and their effects and how they relate to the tourism working environment. Moreover participants had sessions focusing on how to approach a problem employee together with an interactive workshop on Stress Management. Participants who hailed from several tourism sectors such as hotels, catering, airlines, heritage, destination management companies and English language schools, had positive feedback regarding these awareness sessions since information will not only help them at their place of work but also in their personal life.
Customer Service Excellence Training Programme
This project arises from the ‘Merħba’ programme, part of an EU-funded project ESF 7 ‘Tourism and Support Services Training Programme’. The IHRD developed a Trainers’ Resource Pack to serve as a training tool for managers of tourism establishments and tourism-related support services to train their staff. Training is aimed at individuals employed or seeking employment in the tourism industry.
A series of Merħba Train-the-Trainer courses will be announced shortly.
Click the links below for related programme documentation.
http://www.mtamerhba.com/
Tourism and Support Services Training Programme booklet (Benchmarking of People Management Standards and Work Practices).pdf
ESF 2.11 – Developing Leaders for Change and Innovation in Tourism
European Social Fund (ESF) 2.11 – ‘Developing Leaders for Change and Innovation in Tourism’ is a €4 million project designed to train and certify 1200 managers and supervisors in all tourism sectors by introducing and conducting a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme. The programmes will be practical and result focused, including individual mentoring sessions as well as the possibility of an international field visit to enhance professional and self development.
The programme will be offered at two levels:
Level 1 – Higher “Developing Leaders for Change and Innovation in Tourism” Programme. This programme is designed for owners, head of departments and top management. Training modules will focus on the strategic perspective of business that guides management in long term planning decisions.
Level 2 – Advanced “Developing Leaders for Change and Innovation in Tourism” Programme. This programme is designed for assistant managers and supervisory level. Training modules will focus on the micro level and day to day responsibilities the participants entail.
Both programmes will receive international recognition as a VET Higher Diploma, equivalent to a Level 5 on the European Qualifications Framework.
Two studies will also be conducted to forecast tourism employment opportunities and future training needs in various sectors of the tourism industry in both Malta and Gozo.
Tourism Competence Guidelines
The ‘Tourism Competence Guidelines’ are a set of occupational competence standards in the tourism industry. They were drawn up following a consultation process with key people from accommodation and catering establishments alongside representatives from the Institute of Tourism Studies. A number of working groups were set up to discuss competences relating to food and beverage service, food preparation and cooking, housekeeping as well as front office operations. The competences are based on the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) drawn up by the Hospitality Training Foundation (Htf) in the UK.
Seminars and events amongst other projects
A series of seminars on Creative Thinking for Tourism Enterprises were organised. These highlighted the importance of creative practices and how these can be applied to the tourism industry.
A half-day conference on ‘Service Excellence in the Tourism Industry’ which aimed at spreading a vision for a customer-focused tourism industry was also organised.
The IHRD together with the Quality Development Unit organised a half day environmental management course. The environmental management course is a UK programme called ‘Green Advantage’ which aims to create an understanding about the importance of sustainable tourism and how this can boost performance in the sector.
For further information on Tourism Training & HR Development initiatives kindly contact the Industry Human Resource Development Unit on 22915125 or stephanie.rocco@visitmalta.com