| VANCOUVER - Two British Columbia educators have returned from the Gaza Strip having helped to form the basis for the establishment of tourism and hospitality training in the region. They also assisted local authorities in their plans to build a "tourism training hotel" facility. Phillip Schettini from the University College of the Cariboo and Cyndi McLeod from Selkirk College in Nelson were selected by UNESCO to undertake the assignment on its behalf. UNESCO was assisted in the task of identifying the experts by The Commonwealth of Learning, an intergovernmental organization based in Vancouver, in consultation with the Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism (PRIT). McLeod found that the potential for tourism in Palestine is vast. "Cultural and historical connections for the area are considerable and could be harnessed," she said, "however, there are several challenges. People in Gaza are facing many difficulties. Housing is in short supply and living conditions are poor. There are no female servers in restaurants - this is considered men's work." Once Schettini and McLeod's report and their recommended strategic plan has been studied by UNESCO and the Gaza Strip authorities, and implementation begins, "there could be further opportunities for BC tourism educators to be involved in the development of curriculum and learning materials, professional development of teaching staff, and other consultancies," says Terry Hood, PRIT's Director of Educational Services. The Commonwealth of Learning was created by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1988. With headquarters based in Vancouver, the international organisation serves the 54-member Commonwealth with a mandate to widen opportunities for learning by promoting the development and sharing of open and distance learning resources and communications technologies. |