Tourism students who are due to graduate from Tourism Skills Network South West's Aspiring Managers Programme. From left to right Abi Gupta, Kerry Gubbin, Ben Whitmarsh, Natalie Ireland and Linda Gibbons

Tourism and hospitality businesses in the Wiltshire are set to benefit from The Aspiring Managers Development Programme.

The programme, which has been developed by the Tourism Skills Network South West, begins in April 2008.

It aims to develop first-line managers into tourism leaders of the future, through a year-long development, with training specifically tailored to tourism, leisure and hospitality professionals.

The Aspiring Managers Programme is endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality.

It not only covers all of the management skills expected from any top level management course, but also features experienced professionals who share their first-hand knowledge and know-how' with the group.

Learning is consolidated through group sessions, where a close support network of peers address issues they are tackling in their workplace, and share possible approaches.

The South West of England Regional Development Agency, as one of the principal investors in the Tourism Skills Network, recognises that tourism is vital to the future economic success of the region.

In 2005 the South West region attracted more than 23 million visitors, contributing £4.7 billion to our economy. With such a high volume of tourists, South West England needs to ensure that those working in the tourism industry have the right skills, so that visitors want to come back, again and again.

The pilot programme, which started in April this year, was the first of its kind, and has proven a great success.

Jamie Dyer from Bishopstrow House Hotel, Warminster is among this year's 28 delegates, who graduate next month.

He said: "The Aspiring Managers Programme has helped me to look at the way I do things as a manager, and assess the impact on the business.

"It also brings together people in the same situation, who provide help and support with an unbiased viewpoint."

Wendy Samuel, skills director at the Tourism Skills Network, said: "We are delighted by the excellent feedback - from both delegates and their managers - this year, which confirms that we are addressing an important gap within the industry.

"Due to an increase in demand, for the Aspiring Managers Programme we are very pleased to be running three groups across the region in 2008 enabling more businesses in the South West to benefit."

l For further information on the Aspiring Managers Programme, phone the Tourism Skills Network on 01275 370 913 or visit www.tsnsw.org.uk/aspiringmanagers

3:03pm Tuesday 5th February 2008

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