The Global Centre of Tourism Education and Training of Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, in collaboration with UNWTO, delivered its first online training programme comprising four webinars on “Handling, Coping and Dealing with COVID-19” which addressed pandemic issues from sustainable tourism policy & planning, destination management, strategic marketing and human resources management perspectives. This first online training programme was held in late July to replace the cancelled 8-day onsite programme - the 9th training programme organised by IFTM’s Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training and UNWTO.
Professor John Ap, the Global Centre’s Director said “The topics presented were designed to provide information, guidance and insights on to how to deal with COVID-19 on the four topics from an educator’s as well industry professional’s viewpoint.”
Industry presenters from Australia and Hong Kong shared their experiences on Events Management and Strategic Marketing, respectively. Local professionals from MGM China gave their contributions on Human Resources Management while DOC DMC Macau / Hong Kong shared its thoughts on Destination Management.
This on-line training programme was by invitation only and designed for decision-makers in UNWTO ministries and administrations in the Asia region. Twenty- two tourism officials from the 14 countries and regions nominated by UNWTO in the Asia region, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, D.P.R. Korea, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Mainland China, participated in the programme, interacted and discussed with the presenters on the topics during the panel question and answer sessions. The 4-day training had also attracted over 135 views from audience of the tourism industry around the world.
When asked to comment on the key takeaways obtained from the programme, Mr. Mohammed Khan, Senior Tourism Officer from the Fiji Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport said “I received insights on many topics including marketing, policy planning, human resources and destination management. From a country where tourism is the largest industry, I have learnt important strategies to implement in reviving tourism in the country.”
Mr. Jabed Ahmed, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, commented that the training programme was “Attractive and interesting, it is useful to have learnt how to restart the tourism industry during the pandemic and post pandemic era.”
The Centre was set up in 2016 following a memorandum of understanding signed between the Macao SAR Government and UNWTO. The agreement covered topics including the enhancement of human capital for the tourism industry and the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Centre is part of IFTM’s efforts to strengthen its position as an international hub for tourism education and training. It provides training and education courses in cooperation with UNWTO and other parties, to help participating tourism officials and professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Since 2016, the Centre has hosted more than 32 programmes with around 374 participants from 32 countries and regions involved in such training.