Industry takes advantage of Stimulus Package on Food & Beverage Training – ‘when life gives you pineapples, make smoothies’

Samoa Tourism Industry members have utilised opportunities and ongoing support from the Government through the second phase of the SAT$1million Tourism Stimulus Package, with the professional capacity building and development of staff during the travel restrictions. 

With no more international visitors to the country like neighbouring nations in the region and the world, one of the avenues that businesses and operators have taken advantage of is their services through food and beverages. These are catered for at hotel-restaurants and other eateries around the country. 

The Food and Beverage Training ‘when life gives you pineapples, you make smoothies’, with Bar Servicing Skills - was delivered by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition for five days at various locations throughout the country. The Training focussed mostly on creating simple mocktails utilising local produce with the opportunity for participants to create their own concoction from available ingredients provided. Creativity and originality were two skills greatly outlined by the participants throughout the Training. 

The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) in partnership with the Industry, have stimulated demand and the appetite for business within the local market, as the focus continues on domestic tourism with the promotion of packages, accommodation specials, and activities for families. 

“These trainings play a big part in preparing and refining services by the local tourism Industry for when borders open up, in which the Authority continues to be in touch with overseas markets on possible scenarios for Samoa if travel resumes sometime this year.” Said STA CEO, Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua. 

“Participants graduating with these internationally accredited qualifications will be more than ready and on standby to cater for visitors once borders open up, and will also have the opportunity to find employment regionally and globally.” Faamatuainu added.  

The Training courses delivered are locally accredited, Australian accredited and recognised internationally. They are implemented by the service providers working in partnership with STA, namely the National University of Samoa (NUS), Samoa Business Hub (SBH) and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). 

Participants receive financial allowances during the courses every week, with graduates being taught on a more hands-on approach, and offering more opportunities to further their studies on established career paths. They were very thankful for receiving monetary assistance on top of their certificates. 

Training opportunities under this Government Stimulus package have been well executed since its inception, with Training Providers meeting mutual requirements that are paramount in delivering quality training. Remaining courses are continuing and will carry through to June. 

The various hotels and accommodations throughout Upolu and Savaii hosted all the trainings with assistance from the Government of New Zealand. 

The initiative has benefitted more than seven hundred displaced employees and those working on reduced hours within the Tourism Industry due to Covid-19, with short and formal courses since the initiative began in September last year. 

Short Courses include Information and Communication Technology, Hospitality and Business Essentials, Food, Beverage and Bar servicing skills, Customer Service, Housekeeping skill set. 

Formal Courses include Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, Certificate II in Cookery, Certificate II in Food and Beverage, Certificate II in Front Office and Accommodation Services, Certificate II in Tour Guiding. 

The Authority acknowledges the Government of Samoa in recognising needs of the industry through this invaluable training scheme, the Government of New Zealand, and key agencies that have positively contributed to achieving the overarching goal of this initiative including the Ministry of Finance, National University of Samoa, Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Samoa Business Hub, Tourism Training Taskforce, Tourism and Hospitality Sector, Samoa Hotels Association, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association, and the Aleipata Tourism Alliance. 

ENDS