On September 10, 2024, a significant step was taken towards enhancing Vietnam’s tourism industry. Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, a prominent Swiss international cooperation association, partnered with Vietnam’s Centre for Rural Economy Development (CRED) to launch the Swiss Executive Hospitality Training (Swiss EHT) program. This initiative is a key component of the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development (ST4SD) project in Vietnam. The Swiss EHT program aims to elevate the quality of human resources within the hospitality sector, aligning it with international standards.
The training program involves close collaboration between Vietnamese educational institutions and the renowned EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland. This partnership ensures that the training adheres to the highest international standards, equipping Vietnamese professionals with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the global tourism industry. During its pilot phase from 2023 to 2027, the program will be implemented across four training centers located in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The project’s human resources quality improvement component is being managed by Dang Thi Phuong Anh. She shared that, to date, 17 lecturers from the participating training institutions have undergone rigorous skills training with Swiss experts. These instructors have received certification, making them qualified to deliver the Swiss Executive Hospitality Training (Swiss EHT) program. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the four participating institutions are expected to commence their inaugural training sessions, each accommodating 15-20 students per class.
Ngo Thi Quynh Xuan, the Principal of Saigon Tourism College—one of the four training centers involved—highlighted the importance of human resource quality improvement as a long-term strategy for sustainable tourism development. She emphasized that when Vietnamese tourism professionals align with international standards, they will better meet employer expectations and fulfill the job requirements of tourism service businesses.
The collaboration with Swiss experts is expected to elevate the quality of domestic tourism human resources to meet higher international standards. This improvement is aimed at satisfying the demands of both domestic and international labor markets. The project’s approach underscores a commitment to comprehensive and sustainable development within Vietnam’s tourism sector. By integrating international training standards and expertise, the program is set to significantly impact the quality and effectiveness of tourism professionals in the region.
Overall, this initiative represents a substantial step towards aligning Vietnam’s tourism industry with global benchmarks, enhancing both the quality of services provided and the professional standards of its workforce.
