will begin a three month training program in Hospitality and Tourism Management at National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism in Taiwan will use the opportunity to assist in the promotion and development of the hospitality sector of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He said “I therefore wish to underscore that the tourism training program is the first pilot program of this magnitude in our two countries. I do believe after three months of rigorous training, the sixteen participants will be useful and very skillful for the development of tourism in the twin- island Federation.”
The participants will be trained in restaurant management, tourism marketing management, hotel management, casino management and practice, service management, wine knowledge and beverage making skill practice.
The ambassador anticipates that the participants on their return would also be able to offer their assistance to Agro Tourism & Demonstration Farm in Newton Ground.
“I am sure that your exposure to higher training in this respective field will be to the benefit of your country,” said the Taiwan diplomat, who added that it was heartening to observe so many persons willing to pursue more intense learning, especially very far from their homeland.
“This very important event traces back to the origin when Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister Dr. Asim Martin and other members of a delegation went to Taiwan in March of this year and visited the Kaohsiung National University of Hospitality and Tourism. As we are all witnessing here today, we can observe the tangible and fruitful outcome which stemmed from the Prime Minister’s visit with the support of my Government to invite sixteen (16) participants from the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan. It is living proof – of the excellent relations between Republic of China (Taiwan) and St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Ambassador Tsao.
He pointed out that the tourism industry is now the highest ranking industry in the Federation and also the common ground between both countries.
“Your beautiful country has been ranked amongst the top ten (10) destinations in the world with over 600,000 tourists visiting each year because St. Kitts and Nevis is considered the Caribbean’s hidden treasure, a paradise for visitors, laid-back culture, and gorgeous landscapes and Minister Skerritt and his team has vowed to help increase the influx of tourists in the future,” said Ambassador Tsao.
He noted that Taiwan received over 5 million tourists from abroad and over 10 million last year.
“Taiwanese traveled abroad to explore the wonder of the world every year. This is record breaking for both of our two countries. It’s the culmination of the tourism industry and is based on common ground,” said Ambassador Tsao.
The ambassador was at the time delivering remarks at a special ceremony to announce the scholarship winners, on Friday 9th September, at the ICT Centre, CAP Southwell Industrial Park.