The Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA), responsible for tourism development policy, has launched the International Tourism Training Center (ITLC) which will train personnel for the initial management positions in this sector. According to Maia Sidamonidze, the Head of GNTA, the biggest challenges in this sector is the quality of service and qualified staff. “So, it’s crucial to have such institutions,” she said on March 1, at the launching ceremony.

While Georgia has seen growing numbers of international visitors, there have been complaints that the local staff in the hospitality sector lacks professional qualities. Hence, the core of this new center will be providing qualification training, realization and implementation of international standards at the local market.

ITLC will provide certification programs for tourism and hotel management worked out by American and British specialists and will award internationally recognized certificates.

The training center will cooperate with U.S institutions (American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)) and the British Confederation of Tourism and Hotel Management (CTH). It is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a library with contemporary literature and materials in the field of tourism and hotel management. An opportunity to continue studies abroad is an additional incentive.

“ITLC is an American program and students will be able to continue their studies abroad both in European and U.S. colleges,’’ Vera Kobalia, The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development said, adding that “after completion of the program, graduates will be able to find a job in the tourism sector more easily.”

An applicant at least 18 years in age may apply for the program. The requirement is that they must pass an English language test and show general professional skills.

Focusing on vocational training

Even though Georgia has around 40 public and approximately 60 private vocational training centers, the government thinks that the solution to the country’s unemployment problem lies in this field. Thus, the authorities have plans to help open more professional training centers.

During his annual address to the parliament, President Mikheil Saakashvili named unemployment as one of the biggest problems in Georgia saying that “If you are not employed you don’t feel progress.” He underlined the importance and the need of professional training centers and expressed willingness to provide financing to those who want to be trained but have no money. “The government will give all motivated persons vouchers- about 1,000 lari ($606) for education at professional training centers or vocational colleges,” he promised.

Later Georgian Prime Minister, Nika Gilauri, also talked about Saakashvili’s initiative at the government meeting. According to him, starting from March 20, socially vulnerable people will receive vouchers with the total amount of 1,000 lari (about 606 US dollars) for education at professional training centers or vocational colleges. Further details have not been made available yet.