The VTOS standards are defined as the standards of performance that people are expected to achieve in their work, and the knowledge and skills they need to perform effectively. It has been developed for six key tourism areas – front office, housekeeping, food and beverage service, food preparation, travel & tour operations and tour guiding. In addition, four specialist standards have been prepared for high demand occupations – onsite tour guiding, tourist boat service, hotel management and small accommodation operations.

The revised VTOS standards provide more than 65 proposed tourism qualifications from trainee level 1 to senior management level 5. These qualifications will cover all major occupations in hospitality, travel and tourism. Not only will industry employees such as bartenders, baristas and bellboys be able to gain a professional qualification, but tour guides, travel managers and top chefs will also be able to have their skills and competencies recognized and certified for progress in their career ladder.

Earlier, Kien Giang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also held a training course for 23 managers of tourism businesses in Rach Gia.

In the coming time, EU Project will continue to coordinate with Kien Giang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organize training courses on homestays; tourism marketing; policy development and responsible tourism planning…for tourism managers, businesses and local communities.

Pham Thanh