Limavady teachers enjoy tour

TEACHERS and industry professionals think like tourists as they experience an open top bus tour at the launch, by sector skills council People 1st, of Think Tourism NI, a free web-based teaching resource to develop tourism skills.

Building tourism skills is a vital part of ensuring the future growth of tourism in NI with visitor numbers predicted to reach 4.5 million with a revenue of 1 billion by 2020.

Think Tourism NI is the first teaching resource using locally based industry case studies designed in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to support delivery of level two programmes in schools and colleges. It is designed for teachers, careers advisors and students.

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It has been funded by the Department for Employment and Learning and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Welcoming over 50 teachers and industry ambassadors from across Northern Ireland to the launch Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning said:

"I welcome the introduction of Think Tourism NI as a new and significant tool in the Future Skills Action Plan. This will help raise awareness of the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries, and highlight the range of careers available to potential entrants and current employees in the Sector."

Introducing the new resource Roisin McKee of People 1st the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism said:

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"Starting the day as tourists put the spotlight on the skills required to deliver a first class tourist experience.

"The website resource www.thinktourismni.co.uk opens the door to an online archive of teaching activities, video case studies, expert presentations and facts and figures about the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry in Northern Ireland.

"This is a lively and engaging teaching tool with plenty of activities for students focused on customer service and NI product knowledge which includes quizzes, group work and discussion and further web research. A touch of Northern Ireland humour is included with a Belfast taxi driver, actor Tim McGarry, giving a city tour with tourism tales which drivers could actually tell their fares.

"Using the website students will build a broader understanding of the tourism sector and develop customer service skills directly relevant to the industry."

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The site also provides general interest resources for teachers, students and the general public.

To preview Think Tourism NI log on to www.thinktourismni.co.uk and teaching professionals can contact People 1st on 02890447736 for further information and to request a free DVD guide to the resource.