Four-month training begins for homestay operators REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Sajong, is organizing a 4-month long ‘Capacity Building Training Program for Homestay Operators’ here at Hotel Mt. Jopuno. The training began today.
This is the second time that such a training program is being conducted. The first training was held last year where 350 participants had been trained.This year, a total of 360 participants have been invited from all the four districts of the state.
The training will go on till 31 March, 2014 here at the same venue. The training will cover topicslike Tourism Industry, Hospitality, Communicating, Safety & Security, Environment, Hygiene in Home-stay, House Keeping, Front Office, Cleaning, Foods, Drinks, Preparation of Local & International food, Lunch & Breakfast as well. IHM [Sajong] faculty members will be the resource persons for the training.
Addressing the inaugural session of the training program, Minister for Tourism, Bhim Dhungel informed that eco-tourism in villages can be a good source of income for the educated unemployed youth of the state which is why such training is being organized.Homestays also provide an opportunity to showcase local culture to visitors, he added.
The Minister urged all trainees to work hard and take full advantage of the training. He also suggested that tie-ups with hotel operators could help homestays to attract more tourists.
Tourism Secretary, C. Zangpo said that both educated and uneducated people can earn from homestays. He also suggested that if homestays could grow their own food then it would be an added attraction. We need to value what nature has given us and we can do that through eco-tourism, he stated further urging homestays not to use plastic.
The inaugural day of the training was also addressed by the Joint Director for Tourism department, Uzir Man Rai where he highlighted about the program. Also present were Joint Secretary/Administrator, Diki Yonzon, officials from the concerned department, and participants.