37 Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) Trainers Embarked on Professional Industry Placement Programme in Siem Reap

The 37 trainers, including 19 women, were selected from the Provincial Departments of Tourism (PDoT) from the target provinces, namely Kratie, Steung Treng, Preah Vihear, Mondolkiri, Ratanakiri, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Oddor Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey. This hands-on experience was designed to equip them with practical insights into the hospitality industry, further enabling them to deliver high-quality training in their respective provinces. Running for one week, from November 17 to 23, 2023, the initiative aimed to enhance their capacity, knowledge, and skills, ensure the sustainability of hospitality training, and contribute to the growth of Cambodia's tourism sector.

During the week-long programme, the HoKa trainers improved their hospitality skills in food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office, and culinary expertise. The real-world scenarios within renowned hotels and restaurants, such as Malis Siem Reap Restaurant, Khema Angkor Restaurant, Sokha Siem Reap Resort and Convention Center, Sokha Angkor Resort, Sakmuth Boutique Hotel, Treeline Urban Resort, FCC Angkor by Avani, Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap Hotel, Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, Park Hyatt Siem Reap  Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort,  Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa, ANGKOR STYLE RESORT & SPA, Innotality Corporation Ltd., The Hideout Barista & Lounge, Sarai Resort & Spa  Sarai Resort & Spa, offer practical insights and experiences, enhancing the trainers' ability to transfer these skills effectively to their learners back in their home provinces.

The opening ceremony of the Professional Industry Placement programme, held on November 16 2023, was presided over by H.E. Pak Sokhom, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of the HoKa Steering Committee, H.E. Tes Chankiri, Member of the Siem Reap Provincial Council, and Mr. Kong Dara, Representative of the Skills Development Programme. The ceremony attracted 100 participants, including Directors of the Departments of Tourism from the ten target provinces, representatives from hotels and restaurants, and HoKa trainers.

The Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) is an excellent industry-based training model, offering high-quality hospitality vocational training to low-skilled workers. The HoKa training programme is the best option available for managers and business owners in the hospitality sector to grow their businesses. Moreover, HoKa contributes to building the capacities of trainers of Provincial Departments of Tourism, enabling them to provide further training to tourism professionals in and around their province.

HoKa is implemented in ten target provinces under the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Skills Development Programme, a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.