Training for seven hundred hotel workers made redundant in the coronavirus-led downturn is being made available in a new initiative from the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.).

The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Free Training programme was launched on Monday.

More than 2,000 people have lost their hotel jobs since Samoa declared a state of emergency in late March and later shut its borders.

As part of Samoa’s 30th Teuila Festival, which opened on Sunday, the S.T.A. announced the new training programme.

Priority will be given to retraining employees displaced due to the economic effects of COVID-19. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the S.T.A., Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua, said the initiative, part of Phase II of the Government’s stimulus package for the tourism and hospitality sector, would be funded by a $1 million tala earmark. 

“The tourism sector has been most affected by [the coronavirus] and more than 2,000 people have lost their jobs,” said Faamatuainu.

Ten courses are being offered under the program and trainees can enroll for free.

Non-formal certifications, or short courses, are being offered by three organizations: Samoa Business Hub (S.B.H.) , National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (A.P.T.C.)

Formal courses will be provided by N.U.S.

The S.T.A. began its recruitment drive at Litia Sini Beach Resort in Lalomanu and Return to Paradise in Lefaga yesterday.

Recruitment will continue on Tuesday at the S.T.A. Fale Samoa in Apia.

Savaii-based recruitment drives will begin on Wednesday with Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge in Asau and Thursday recruitment takes place at Vacation Beach Fales in Manase and Jetover Hotel in Salelologa.

The S.B.H. is offering courses in Information and Technology; Business Essentials and Customer Service.

N.U.S. is offering a short course in Introduction to hospitality.

A.P.T.C. is offering short courses in food and beverage and bar servicing skills and housekeeping Skills.

The formal courses from N.U.S. range from tourism and hospitality, food and beverage, front office and accommodations and tour guiding.

Employees of all tourism related businesses are eligible for the free training. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a $100 stipend.

All inquiries may be directed to Sheena Ng-Lam at [email protected] or 63506 or Jade Eli-Sanerivi at [email protected] or 63535.