Singapore’s specialist in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Temasek Polytechnic, Benjamin Cassim, Malaysia’s leading advocate for the Tourism Productivity Nexus under the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia, Rohizam Yusoff, Director Industry Training, NTPC, Ms Salaseini Ligamamada, FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor TVET Pasifika and NTPC, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata with industry experts at the training programme.

Around 20 industry experts from the tourism sector are participating in a three-day training programme on Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity in Hospitality, organised by the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC).

The training, which commenced on Tuesday at FNU’s Namaka Campus, is led by two renowned international experts: Benjamin Cassim, a specialist in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, and Rohizam Yusoff, a leading advocate for the Tourism Productivity Nexus under the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia.

FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Pasifika and NTPC, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, highlighted that cultural diversity and inclusivity are deeply embedded in Pacific societies, particularly in Fiji.

“For those of us in Fiji, cultural diversity and inclusivity is not something new. We are a very culturally diverse community here in Fiji, we are multiracial, multicultural and multireligious and so this is part of our culture, identity and values,” said Dr Tagicakiverata.

“This training is crucial because it enables us to build upon what we already practise. The visiting experts will help consolidate our knowledge and provide strategies that can be effectively implemented within Fiji’s hospitality industry.”

By the end of the training programme, the hospitality professionals in Fiji will be able to develop and implement cultural diversity and inclusivity strategies within their operations.

The training, organised by NTPC in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organisation, will conclude today.