Manaus Agile tourism and culture of the AmazonProfessional qualification courses in Tourism
Brazil wants to enter once and for all on the shelf of the world's great destinations. But to receive visitors well, it is essential to train those who are on the front line of service for Brazilian and foreign tourists. With this scenario in mind, the Ministry of Tourism launched, last week, the Brazil + Tourism, a package of measures to strengthen the sector in the country. The actions aim to bring technical solutions to historical bottlenecks, qualify tourism workers, and increase the number of domestic and foreign tourists, in addition to generating jobs and income.
According to studies by the Department, more than 80% indicate that the country has the potential to explore tourism as a lever for the economy. However, 60% of Brazilians evaluate that we take little advantage of this heritage. And to explore all the touristic potential of the country it is necessary to invest in qualification, which is so important that it became one of the items of the Brazil + Tourism Plan. To meet the sector's demand, the Ministry of Tourism is investing in three fronts: MedioTec Tourism, Brazil Arms Wide Open and the International Qualification Program in Tourism.
"These actions by the Ministry of Tourism show that we are attentive to the sector's demands and that we understand that ensuring quality service is a way to leave a good intention in the tourist and awaken his interest in returning to the chosen country or destination", explained the Minister of Tourism, Marx Beltrão.
Highlight for MedioTec Tourism, an unprecedented initiative in the country focusing on tourism. Students will be contemplated with free courses for the formation of medium-level technicians to meet the needs of the travel market. For 2017, 10 thousand vacancies will be available for students from Brazilian public schools. Classes are expected to start in August 2017.
Seven courses will be offered (technical courses in travel agency, cuisine, events, tour guide, accommodation, leisure, restaurant and bar) in tourism, hospitality, and leisure for students who are preferably in their 2nd year of high school. The classes are expected to start in August 2017.
"I see this initiative by the Ministry of Tourism as being of the highest importance for our sector, considering that tourists depend on the preparation of these professionals to receive the most appropriate treatment and seeing MTur involved in this process demonstrates the seriousness with which the government treats the theme," evaluated the president of the Brazilian Cruise Ship Association (Clia Abremar Brasil), Marco Ferraz.
For the president of the Brazilian Association of Tourism Operators (Braztoa), Magda Nassar, the qualification is fundamental nowadays. "It is an opportunity for professionals to renew themselves every day, because we live in times of constant change and evolution. Seeking knowledge is the key for agents and operators to reinforce more and more their role as consultants, architects, and designers who project their clients' trips according to their personal preferences and the groups they belong to", he pondered.
Course Online Course
Thinking of reaching an even larger number of tourism professionals interested in professional updating, but who don't have a fixed time for classes, the Ministry of Tourism launched, in early April, the "Brazil Arms Wide Open". This is a technological platform for distance learning in a digital environment, offering 80 hours of online classes for professionals who work directly with tourists, such as hotel attendants, taxi drivers, kiosks and bartenders. Registration for 2017 can be made until September 30th.
The student will take the course using a cell phone, tablet, or notebook, tablet or notebook and will feature video classes and educational games. Those interested can access the platform at brasilbracosabertos.turismo.gov.br and classes should be completed by December 30.
Exchange
Brazilian students will also have the possibility to improve their skills outside the country. A cooperation agreement signed in February between the Minister of Tourism, Marx Beltrão, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the British Embassy in Brazil, Wasim Mir, established a medium and long term cooperation in the field of tourism and hospitality. The initiative foresees sending, in 2018, 120 students from technical and undergraduate courses from public and private institutions for up to three months of training in the UK. The selection of students should be made in the first half of this year. MTur will invest R$ 5 million in the program. The proposal is to complement the students' training in another language and in tourism and hospitality techniques.
