The “Fundamentals of Travel Agency Operations Course” Certificate Presentation Ceremony took place at the Auditorium of Team Building in IFT today at 6:00pm. Chairman of Association of Macau Travel Industry Professionals (AMTIP), Mr. Mike Lam and President of IFT, Dr. Fanny Vong presided over the ceremony. 34 students who have accomplished the course and achieved more than 80% of attendance were presented the certificates. The course was designed jointly by IFT and AMTIP for junior employees of travel agencies who would like to strengthen their job-related knowledge and skills to further improve their job performance. The tourism industry of Macao has maintained rapid growth recently, with the Individual Visit Scheme being implemented by 49 Mainland cities, tourists from Mainland China have greatly contributed to the soar of visitor arrivals. Macao Government intends to consolidate the major source markets which include the Mainland, Hong Kong and Chinese Taiwan, while actively explore the international markets, sustaining the growth momentum of the Southeast Asia market, and simultaneously boost arrivals from mid and long haul markets such as America and Europe. Venturing into forthcoming markets like the Middle East, Russia, Vietnam and Indonesia for a more diversified market portfolio is also desired. Facing this anticipated growth in visitor arrivals, ground transfer travel agencies provide more career opportunities than before and consequently many have joined the industry recently. To implement the trainings regarding the tourism industry so as to ensure the quality service along with the sustainable development, IFT has organised jointly with AMTIP the “Fundamentals of Travel Agency Operations Course”, to provide professional knowledge and techniques to the junior employees of travel agencies, in support of positive development in the Tourism service industry. The course aims at enhancing travel agency employees’ basic knowledge in the field. Consultants, managing and professional personnel were invited as trainers to facilitate students acquire integrated and up-to-date information of the industry. The course out-line is as follows: Ÿ ABACUS – elementary operations and common questions
Ÿ Elementary Ticketing (including e-ticket, B2B, etc.)
Ÿ Ground Transfer and Events
Ÿ Outbound Tourism and Vacation Packages
Ÿ Marketing and Sales
Ÿ Reception Skills
Ÿ Filing
Ÿ Human Resources Management and Communicating with Employees
Ÿ Managing Daily Operations
Ÿ Financial Management Ÿ Time Management The 24-learning hour course was held from October to December 2007, 50 participants registered and among them 34 students accomplished the course, achieving more than 80% of attendance. They were awarded the certificates of the course in the Certificate Presentation Ceremony today.
