New Programme: Conventions and Incentives Industry

Media Release
8 October 2010

New Training Programme Adds Value to Conventions and Incentives Industry

New Zealand’s billion dollar Conventions and Incentives (C&I) industry is set to benefit from a new industry training programme launched this week, which will make it easier to take the first step into on-the-job training.

The C&I Foundations programme has been designed by the industry to meet the training needs of busy C&I professionals. It is a “taster” programme that fits around workplace demands and earns trainees credits towards a national certificate in C&I.

Chief Executive of the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO), Elizabeth Valentine, says the new Foundations programme will help convention centres, conference organisers, venues and incentive planners improve their international credentials by up-skilling staff.

“C&I is a highly competitive industry internationally. Having staff who have completed recognised industry qualifications is crucial to attracting the high-calibre, large-scale conventions that will add value to New Zealand’s economy.

“This new Foundations programme allows trainees to use the work they are already doing in their jobs as evidence of their skills and knowledge. It is a highly relevant and up-to-date training programme that gives trainees a taste of what they can expect from the National Certificate and National Diploma qualifications, making it easy for them to take the first step into achieving a nationally recognised qualification.”

Alan Trotter, Chief Executive of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), was involved in the development process and endorses the new Foundations programme.

“The C&I sectors contribute around one billion dollars to New Zealand’s GDP each year and are important sources of foreign exchange earnings for New Zealand. They also bring international visitors to New Zealand in the shoulder season for tourism, with C&I visitor numbers peaking in August and September.”

“It’s essential that the C&I sectors have access to well-trained staff, which is why CINZ supports ATTTO involvement in ensuring that the training available to staff is focussed and attuned to our stakeholders’ needs.”

Elizabeth Valentine says: “The C&I Foundations programme supports Government objectives to increase the value of conventions and business tourism to the New Zealand economy. It will help build New Zealand’s service delivery capability across these sectors.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor
About the C&I Foundations programme
C&I Foundations is designed to allow people in the C&I industry to complete nationally recognised unit standards as a foundation towards the completion of ATTTO’s National Certificate in Tourism Conventions and Incentives (Level 4). Trainees will build a portfolio by completing work-based tasks on the job. Unit standards cover the structure and functions of the C&I industry, the operational process of a project, venue arrangements, sustainability and budgeting.

About ATTTO
ATTTO is the industry training organisation for the aviation, tourism, travel and museums sectors. It’s focus is on the development and delivery of world-class industry qualifications that can be completed in the workplace and which support the success of these industries through investment in people. All ATTTO qualifications are nationally recognised and registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. ATTTO receives funding through the Tertiary Education Commission and from the industries it supports.

www.attto.org.nz

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