SMALL tourism businesses in Kerry will benefit from an innovative new
training programme which has been launched in Killarney by F·ilte
Ireland.
The
Tourism Learning Networks project is a three-year programme which aims
to deliver specific training for those in the tourist industry.
The initiative, launched in the Killarney
Great Southern Hotel by Tourism Minister, John O’Donoghue, will cost ¤1
million per year to implement and F·ilte Ireland has dedicated ¤1.4
million to support the programme.
Minister Donoghue
remarked: “The Irish tourism industry is dominated by smaller
family-run businesses where pressures of work and rigid training
structures hinder staff and management development.
“The
Tourism Learning Networks have been established to assist the small
tourism business by offering them a training programme that is
specifically adapted to their needs and requirements.” A total of 26
centres have already been set up throughout the country with over 600
small businesses involved.
F·ilte Ireland chief executive,
Shaun Quinn, told Kerry tourism interests at the launch that the
networks will bring together owners and managers from a range of
tourism enterprises for practical and relevant training, ongoing
support and professional mentoring.
The centres will be
located in near-ly every county of Ireland and will take the form of a
series of focussed training days spread over the year.
“The
key to achieving and sustaining a more competitive tourism industry
lies in the development of its people across all levels and sectors.
“Many of our larger tourism businesses have recognised this and have led by example,” said Minister O’ Donoghue.
http://archives.tcm.ie/thekingdom/2006/04/20/story20209.asp
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