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For most, in the Central West undertaking further training means travelling outside the region or jumping online to complete a course, but now, for nineteen locals involved in the tourism industry a Diploma in Tourism is being delivered right here in the Central West.

For most, in the Central West undertaking further training means travelling outside the region or jumping online to complete a course, but now, for nineteen locals involved in the tourism industry a Diploma in Tourism is being delivered right here in the Central West.

The Australian College of Outback Tourism is working with Gold Coast based Registered Training Organisation One Step Further to deliver a Diploma of Tourism locally in the Central West, subsidised through a joint Commonwealth and Queensland Government initiative – Productivity Places Program.

On the evening of Monday 15 February course participants, local business and tourism operators, educators and other invited guests helped kick off the Diploma at a launch sponsored by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

The night also proved a good opportunity for businesses to speak with special guest QTIC CEO Daniel Gschwind about tourism in the Central West.

Mr Gschwind highlighted the importance of training in the tourism industry, "Everywhere in the world has something to offer – but it’s the business and the skills that sets them apart and this is what this training is about."

Mr Gschwind was impressed with the interest and enthusiasm of all involved in bringing the training about but even more so with the participants, "Bringing the training to the people is an exciting venture, I have spoken to someone who travelled 7 hours to be here! If you asked someone in Brisbane to travel 7 hours for training, I doubt that they would have come."

Tourism in the Central West is sure to be the winner at the end of the day, with training helping to build a stronger industry and develop partnerships. "There are plenty of issues to deal with in the industry but with help, from the government in this instance, we are able to foster partnerships to deliver potential for this region." Mr Gschwind said, "I look forward to coming back to the graduation in a few months."

Participants started their training on Tuesday with One Step Further CEO and trainer Jo Smith. The course will combine face-to-face delivery, with on-line delivery and work experience throughout 2010.