Major Rewards Offered For Tourism Champions During Economic Downturn

Admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:03:46 +0000

South East Wales, February 2009 – Capital Region Tourism, the lead body for tourism in South East Wales, is launching a new bursary scheme that will provide 20 individuals up to £1000 each to use for training purposes. Individuals in tourism will have the chance to win this substantial bursary to improve their skills and develop their careers. It is believed that maintaining investment in human resource development training for all will maintain the region’s competitive edge during the downturn and accelerate growth when the better times return.

The aim of the Training Bursary Scheme is to build successful candidates’ capacity to raise the quality of the region’s tourism product, and improve the visitor experience throughout South East Wales. Applications will be considered from those able to demonstrate how the investment will impact positively on tourism in the region. The scheme will help individuals involved in the development and operation of tourist related facilities and services, from hotels and attractions, to restaurants and transport providers, who would like to undertake training or personal development that will improve their ability to contribute to a high quality visitor experience. Those most likely to succeed will have to demonstrate previous commitment and a proactive approach to their own development as well as how this investment will benefit their organisation and the wider tourism destination.

Any training which can be demonstrated to be of significant benefit to the individual and of benefit to tourism in South East Wales will be looked at, including, but not exclusively, such areas as management, digital media and ICT, customer service, craft and technical skills, environmental impacts of tourism. Anything from recognised qualifications through an educational establishment (e.g. an HNC) or professional body (e.g. CIM Diploma) to bespoke training delivered on a one to one basis by a private training provider or consultant will be considered.

Alice Brown, HRD Coordinator for Capital Region Tourism explains why the organisation is offering this great opportunity: “We have a commitment to the development of people within tourism. Development of people is much more than improving vocational skills or academic knowledge, though this is an important part of it. It’s about development as a person too. This bursary scheme acknowledges that investment in tourism products and their promotion must go hand in hand with investment in people.”

Capital Region Tourism covers the following local authority areas: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan. In addition the organisation works with Brecon Beacons Tourism.

Anyone interested in the bursary scheme will need to express an interest formally by Friday 20 February 2009. People interested in the bursary scheme and the application process should contact Alice Brown at Capital Region Tourism (tel: 029 2041 6418, alice.brown@capitalregiontourism.org or www.capitalregiontourism.org/skills)

By: Helene Grousset-Rees

Education Economics » Proactive Approach

Major Rewards Offered For Tourism Champions During Economic Downturn