36 participants from 10 Pacific Island Countries have completed the Pacific Tourism Organization’s Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recovery training of the trainers programme.
The 4-week training facilitated by Maleta Tokwakwasi and her Assistant Trainer Christine Peipul of VilLink Ltd in Papua New Guinea included participants from the National Tourism Organisations, local training providers, and representatives from tourism private sector associations and tourism SME owners.
The online training focuses on seven chapters of the SPTO SME Recovery Toolkit, from understanding evolving market trends, how to design and adapt products, and safety and security considerations.
Moreover, the programme also addressed pricing techniques, market access, customer service and online sales and marketing.
Matelita Katamotu of Fiji says she learned so much from the training and looks forward to presenting improved products and experiences as the Pacific welcomes international guests.
SPTO Chairman Petero Manufolau says this was a critical time for the tourism industry as it progresses towards reopening the borders to international travel and tourism.
He also acknowledged that future successes would require a shift in mindset and commitment to ensure that tourism is environmentally responsible, socially acceptable and economically viable for SMEs in the region.
The training was provided under the Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building Facility, funded by the European Union through the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat.
