Tonga Tourism Authority meets with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit to discuss vital capacity building training for Tonga’s Tourism Sector

The Tonga Tourism Authority recently met with Mr Luke Marston, the Design and Development Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (IU) to propose vital capacity building training for the Tourism Sector.

The meeting looked at training needs that Tonga’s Tourism Sector may benefit from with the aim to increase locally available staff for tourism businesses as Tonga anticipates reopening borders. A similar request for support has been made by other National Tourism Offices in the Pacific to assist with introductory (including refresher) training on customer service and basic hospitality such as food and beverage. With this assistance, the IU seeks to utilize a network of local trainers and run a series of short courses of an average of one to two days across the country.

Mr Viliami Takau expressed his sincere thanks to Mr Marston for considering Tonga’s Tourism for the assistance. ‘We understand training is in high demand from the industry. We here at the Authority together with the Ministry of Tourism will endeavour to facilitate these trainings. One of the biggest challenges the industry had over the last three years is businesses losing staff to other opportunities, however, we anticipate this assistance will be a huge step forward in preparing our industry for our guests. It is our hope, that we can redefine what Tourism looks like for Tonga by using new tools to ensure that not only the visitors can enjoy their stay but the communities can benefit from it, too.

The meeting was held on Zoom and was joined by Mr. ‘Alipate Tavo, the Trade and Investment Officer at the PACER Plus IU, together with TTA Managers Mrs. Teisa Tupou, the Marketing and Promotions Manager and Ms. Simata Palu, the Planning & Development Manager.

The PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme provides assistance to its members by strengthening their capacity to benefit from regional and international trade and contribute to achieving economic growth and sustainable development. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (IU), which manages and delivers the work programme, is based in Apia, Samoa.

For more information and or questions, please contact Ms. Simata-e-la’a Palu at the Tonga Tourism Authority on simatapalu@gmail.com or +676 7744669.