A new employee training programme launched in Wellington today will help ensure that people working in the service sector consistently deliver a unique, memorable visitor experience, boosting the economic return New Zealand gets from major events like the Rugby World Cup.
Launched by the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key,
KiaOraMai Essential Service Skills is a flexible programme designed for entry-level employees working across the tourism and service industries, including hospitality, accommodation, travel and transport, tourism events and activities, retail, hairdressing, beauty and spa.
Tourism
Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Tim Cossar says the programme meets the industry’s call for a single entry-level standard for employees working directly with visitors and customers in the service sector. It features a mix of off and on the job training and is linked to unit standards on the National Qualifications Framework, offering employees a career path and a starting place for further training.
“The tourism industry and wider services sector are major contributors to the New Zealand economy and people are the sector’s major asset,” says Mr Cossar.
“Having well trained, professional staff with the right skills and attitude is integral to delivering a consistent and outstanding New Zealand visitor experience. KiaOraMai will increase the economic benefits of major events such as Rugby World Cup 2011, and establish a legacy that will provide lasting benefits to the economy.”
An Industry Developed Programme
The programme has been developed with industry input and covers a broad range of skills such as customer service, personal presentation, managing customer complaints, knowledge of New Zealand tourism features, activities and events.
“It also embraces the value of manaakitanga (hospitality), which is all about ensuring visitors enjoy a unique and memorable New Zealand holiday,” explains Mr Cossar.
“Our target is for 7000 to 10,000 trainees to go through the programme before the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Auckland in September 2011.”
SITA
KiaOraMai is a cross-industry initiative, developed by TIA and the Services Industries Training Alliance, with funding from the Ministry of Tourism and Te Puni Kokiri. For more information see www.kiaoramai.co.nz.