Educational standards are developed for providing qualified specialists for tourism sector

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. There are 5 educational institutions in Armenia preparing specialists on tourism sector, Adviser to the Armenian Minister of Education and Science Artak Aghbalyan told “Armenpress”.

“The youth has always been interested in tourism. The educational facilities preparing specialists in that sector always have a lot of applicants, there is no shortage of applicants even in the paid system. The specialists are being prepared, but the conducted works are not enough, there is still a lot to do”, Artak Aghbalyan said.

Educational standards were developed for providing qualified specialists for tourism sector. Artak Aghbalyan informed the employers of that sector had their contribution on developing them.

“According to those standards, the training must be done based on practice. The student must be in direct contact with hotel, restaurant and other institutions operating in the tourism field. For instance, 3-day theoretical and 3-day practical courses must be held. Such approach will enable the persons who completed the courses to be well prepared for market demands”, he said.

Rector of the Armenian Institute of Tourism Robert Minasyan said the training of personnel must not be the only priority.

“We must pay a special attention who are the trainers. In case of necessity we will hold trainings for them as well. Life is changing, and you cannot teach with yesterday’s approaches”, Robert Minasyan said.

Robert Minasyan said not everyone has a right to present Armenia.

He said there are more than 1 billion tourists in the world, each tourist spends 700-1000 USD within 5-7 days. “If we manage to direct the small percentage of it to Armenia, our country’s tourism will boost significantly”.