In a statement received on Wednesday, he noted that from the target of 15 million Indonesian tourism workers by 2024, most of them still lack the competencies to comply with national and international standards.
Hence, his ministry is implementing certification for tourism workers to provide competent and quality tourism personnel in the tourism sector.
"With certification, tourism staff can improve their skills and professionalism in serving guests according to standards," he remarked.
In addition, Uno explained that workers' certification would encourage businesses and the tourism industry to comply with regulations and standards set for sustainable services, thereby resulting in a better tourism experience for tourists.
Uno affirmed that his side is targeting as many as 45 thousand tourism workers to be certified as professionals in the tourism sector, with both national and international standards according to their skills and work.
The ministry will collaborate with the Professional Certification Institute (LSP) for the certification process, he stated.
"This program is expected to create job and business opportunities for competent and sustainable tourism human resources," he revealed.
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Moreover, Uno drew attention to another challenge faced by the tourism sector, such as gaps between the needs of the industry and skills taught at tourism school.
Hence, he emphasized the important role of educational institutions in developing the tourism sector in Indonesia, especially tourist villages.
"Currently, the tourism polytechnic under our auspices has implemented the ASEAN Common Competency Standard for Tourism Profession (ACCSTP) and the Common ASEAN Tourism Curriculum (CATC) that are industry-based, flexible, and well-structured for six areas of work (hospitality and travel sector) in the tourism sector," Uno explained.
According to the minister, the six tourism polytechnics under his ministry are pilot projects for other vocational education institutions in the ASEAN region.
The six tourism schools have also established close relations with the community through community service programs in tourist villages, he stated.
He remarked that lecturers and students are actively involved in community development programs to gain direct experience while solving real problems in tourist villages and empowering communities.
"Moreover, we also try to develop our competence for professional events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) handling in ASEAN," he added.
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Translator: Farhan Arda N, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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