Following the 12th Pacific Islands Convention of Leaders in Honolulu previously week, the Pacific Tourism Organisation was privileged to attend a reception celebrating a portion of the 2020 cohort of the Pacific Islands Tourism Skilled Fellows Program.
The Skilled Fellows Program is funded by the U.S. Division of State and administered by the East-West Middle. Initiated in 2018 by the East-West Middle the initiative is a four-week programme designed to construct important new abilities and facilitate enduring skilled bonds between tourism professionals in the US and the Pacific Islands.
As a result of pandemic, the 2020 cohort engaged just about and had been solely capable of journey to the US this 12 months. Having now accomplished three weeks of labor placement with varied organisations in Hawaii, the group is now in Washington for the ultimate week of this system.
With twelve fellows from Fiji (4), Solomon Islands (2), Papua New Guinea (1), Vanuatu (2), and Timor Leste (3) the group is an element of a bigger cohort of 32, which is the final cohort underneath this program. The rest of the group is scheduled to undertake the in-person part of this system in November.
In shifting ahead, SPTO will proceed to companion with the East-West Middle by the Skilled Fellows Program Alternative for Younger Financial Empowerment Leaders. As with earlier preparations between the organisations SPTO will help in reviewing and offering suggestions on candidates for the programme. Furthermore, a consultant from SPTO will even conduct a presentation throughout orientation week for every of the programme’s three cohorts, starting in February 2023.
Noting SPTO’s partnership with the East-West Middle, SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker acknowledged the significance {of professional} improvement for the Pacific.
“Constructing capability by worldwide publicity and packages such because the Pacific Islands Tourism Skilled Fellows Program is so necessary for working professionals within the area. These initiatives afford a possibility to broaden mindsets, set up networks and naturally contribute to constructing globally aggressive industries right here within the Pacific”.
“As this group nears the top of this system I’d prefer to congratulate them for representing the Pacific nicely and I encourage them to share their learnings with their colleagues within the business upon their return. We significantly worth our partnership with the East-West Middle and look ahead to following the progress of the rest of the group in November”, stated Mr. Cocker.
“The East-West Middle proudly acknowledges the Skilled Fellows for the profitable completion of their Fellowships. We want all 12 nicely as they return house and attempt to put their studying to work to help financial improvement of their communities. It was nice to incorporate SPTO within the wrap-up reception as they’ve been a valued companion all through this system,” stated Director of the East-West Middle’s Skilled Improvement Program, Mr. Scott Kroeker.
