A Comeback for Tourism: The Safe Management Course 

by Amidala Mallari, Thames International Undergraduate Student

The COVID-19 Pandemic was a major setback for the tourism industry. Tourism is one of the most competitive industries in the world, and relevant safety measures and techniques need to be implemented by companies as they get back on track. With this in mind, Thames International, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Accelebator Singapore, hosted the Safe Management Course for DOT-accredited Tourism Accommodations.

Held last February 15-19 2021, this Safe Management Course has given over 700 general managers, safety officers, and other high-ranking officials of DOT-accredited Tourism Accommodations in the Philippines the opportunity to learn about the state of the industry in the local, regional, and global senses, keeping in mind that the COVID-19 threat is far from over. Singapore’s best Safe Tourism Management practices were also taught, as well as their contextualization in the Accommodation, Food and Beverage, Transportation, and Recreation Sectors.

At the culmination of the course, an interactive session was conducted to gather more information and suggestions from the participants on how to move forward and what kind of assistance they need to safely re-open their business. Overall, participants were grateful to the organizers for making the event possible, calling it an informative, useful, and comprehensive discussion of COVID-19’s impositions on tourism in general. According to them, it is crucial that these learnings are applied by the industry as it strives for a comeback.

One of the trainers, Mr. Jun Fuentebella, believed that “This DOT-Thames Partnership for Safety Management Measures was a great opportunity. An opportunity to lend a helping hand for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry who desperately needed fresh insights and innovations to both reboot their business and drive revenues back to their respective businesses.” He also added that “It’s an opportunity to support the integration and alignment to global standards with respect to the implementation of safety measures and in recovering the hospitality and tourism sectors. Through this kind of programs and private-government partnerships, we can provide a common ground for the struggling Hospitality and Tourism Sectors to be heard and hope that a concentrated effort comes soon.”

Participants also commended Thames International for its excellent educational portal and its course team.  This event is part of Thames’ continued support for businesses and entrepreneurs, as part of its commitment to help in nation-building through providing necessary training for schools and other organizations that need further assistance  in adjusting to the demands of the new normal. For any inquiries on this matter, feel free to contact the school via inquire@thames.edu.ph.