EDUCATION Minister, Sean Farren, has announced details of a cross-border tourism training initiative which could alleviate recent set-backs within the industry.

A joint initiative between the Department for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, and CERT - the Tourism Training Authority in the Republic of Ireland - was agreed at the recent North South Ministerial Council meeting on tourism. Aimed at increasing the capability of the industry to deal with recent set-backs and take advantage of business opportunities, it consists of three proposals, which include a joint management development programme for hotel owners and managers, an operational skills development programme to meet the needs of the small to medium sized business sector, and the facilitation of the cross-border exchange of teachers, educationalists and industry based trainers and practitioners.

Welcoming the development, Minister Farren said: “This joint initiative was created to ensure that the tourism and hospitality industry is in a position to manage difficulties caused by recent set-backs such as foot and mouth and to take full advantage of the opportunities created by increased marketing activity.

“The challenge to tourism is similar in both parts of Ireland and is an area with significant potential for continuing co-operation. It is also further evidence of North South cooperation on areas of mutual interest made possible by involvement of Ministers in the NSMC.”

The initiative was also welcomed by the Chair of the Tourism Training Trust in Northern Ireland, Marie Thomas, who said: “This initiative is a step forward at a very difficult time for the industry. Together with the other work we are doing to raise standards in the industry it will play a significant role in the recovery of tourism and hospitality.”

(CL)