The main aim of the training, held on 19–20 February, was to show how important tourism is for the region’s economic development. The participants learned about current trends in domestic and global tourism, learned how to professionally plan and prepare a tourism product, and found out how they can influence tourism development in the region. “We are very pleased with the training provided as part of the Tourism – a Common Cause project. The group became very involved in creating our tourism product. The trainers are helping us greatly by suggesting interesting and useful solutions,” says Bogusław Nowak, one of the leaders of the Via Sudetica partnership group and owner of Villa Ambasada in Bolesławiec.
The training held on 21 February presented the importance of planning in tourism, showed the place of tourism in the regional and local planning system, and discussed current issues affecting tourism. Participants learned about the benefits of methodical planning for the development of products and organisations, as well as national and regional tourism development strategies. During the next training session, held on 22 February, participants gained basic knowledge about the most commonly used promotional tools. The training showed how to develop and implement a product promotion strategy and what practical methods can be used to promote a company on the market. People running tourism businesses became more aware of the need to promote tourism offers and build a company’s image. “During the training, participants learn how to work together so that they can attract tourists jointly. We are convinced that this knowledge will help increase the number of tourists visiting Bolesławiec and its surroundings,” says Ireneusz Cierpisz, the regional project coordinator in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The aim of the training provided as part of the “Tourism – a Common Cause” project is not only to improve the qualifications of people working in tourism, but also to enhance the region’s competitiveness. The project’s training courses are consistent with the provisions of the Regional Operational Programme of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship for 2007–2013. Representatives of small and medium-sized companies pay only 20% of the training cost; the remainder is covered by the European Union. Representatives of local government units and tourism organisations receive 100% funding.
(report: Barbara Grochoła/KG)