A new hospitality skills training program was implemented by the American Chamber of Commerce in partnership with internationally branded hotel partners
Georgia’s hospitality sector is experiencing a strong rebound in tourism after a challenging period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To capitalize on these new origin markets and recalibrate into a more sustainable, low-volume, high-value model, a greater emphasis is being placed on integrating internationally recognized levels of service throughout the sector.
To address these staffing challenges and reinvigorate Georgia’s hospitality workforce, the American Chamber of Commerce launched the Best Practices and International Standards to Hospitality Industry Initiative in 2022 with the support of the USAID Economic Security Program. The project, implemented in partnership with its internationally branded hotel partners GMT Group [Marriott Hotels], Silk Hospitality [Radisson Hotels], and the Sheraton Grand Metechi Palace, is part of a wider effort to introduce international standards of service throughout the sector.
As part of the initiative, a new hospitality skills training program was implemented, offering five-month traineeships with the program’s partner hotels. The program aims to promote practical experience, enhance professional development, and foster collaboration among hospitality professionals.
The initiative is expected to contribute to Georgia’s tourism recovery and growth, as well as to improve the quality and competitiveness of its hospitality sector. Georgia’s summer tourism is already on track to break records this year, data released by the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) in June shows. Tourism revenue from January – May 2023 reached a value of $1.35 billion, with Galt & Taggart analysts estimating that this year could reach a record annual value of $4 billion.
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The training program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of hospitality management and operations
The hospitality skills training program consists of a five-month traineeship with one of the partner hotels, where the participants receive both theoretical and practical training in various aspects of hospitality management and operations. The curriculum covers topics such as front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, sales and marketing, human resources, finance, and security.
The program also includes soft skills development, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service, as well as English language proficiency. The participants are mentored by experienced hotel managers and staff, who provide them with feedback and guidance throughout the program.
The program is designed to equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the expectations and standards of the international hospitality market, as well as to enhance their employability and career prospects in the sector.
The training program has received positive feedback from both the participants and the partner hotels
The hospitality skills training program has received positive feedback from both the participants and the partner hotels, who have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for the initiative. The participants have reported that the program has helped them improve their skills, confidence, and motivation, as well as to gain valuable experience and exposure to the hospitality industry.
The partner hotels have also praised the program for its quality and relevance, as well as for its contribution to their staffing needs and service improvement. The hotels have offered to hire some of the participants upon completion of the program, or to provide them with recommendations and referrals for other employment opportunities in the sector.
The program has also received recognition and support from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Georgian National Tourism Administration, and the Georgian Hotel and Restaurant Association, who have endorsed the initiative and expressed their interest in collaborating with the American Chamber of Commerce and its partners to expand and sustain the program in the future.
