A Lack of Trained Laotian Hospitality Professionals:

Business Plan for a Hospitality School in Pakse, Laos: A Possible Solution.

Kevin Allen and Dr. Stephen LynchSchool of Hospitality and Tourism ManagementUniversity of Guelph

Lao P.D.R.

Ministry of Education Lao National Tourism Administration

(LNTA) LNTA Hospitality Training Center

Industry Needs and Challenges Champasak School of Hotel and

Restaurant Management

Overview

Need for practical skills training in traditional areas. Development of a workforce cannot be achieved

through the offering of academic programmes alone

Technical skills-training at both basic and advance levels for all teachers is required

To improve existing courses, increase capacity and to develop a system of standards in the area of training for tourism.

Needs

Lao National Tourism Administration, 2009

Shortages of qualified teachers and instructors.

Outdated “theory based” programmes and teaching methods.

Lack of practical training facilities, equipment, and resources.

Quality and scope of the training delivery does not meet industry requirements

Challenges

(Lao National Tourism Administration, 2009)

Capacity to deliver training does not yet meet international norms.

Availability and access to training options is very limited.

Training programmes offered are mismatched to the needs of the industry with emphasis on “hotel management” subject rather than much needed vocational skills

Challenges

Lao National Tourism Administration, 2009

Challenges

Cultural Divide Joint-venture ownership between

Lao/Thai, Lao/Vietnamese, or between Lao/Chinese.

Visitors from Thailand and Vietnam expect a higher standard of service

Thai hospitality professionals in key administration positions.

Skill-based programs that will re-enforce a service mindset are critical and very achievable.

Job progression in the hospitality industry is “through the ranks” from entry level to management positions.

Little opportunity to rise and assume key management positions.

International Standards

How to Meet the Need

Initiatives must be rooted in the education standards of Laos and international education standards of the hospitality industry.

Clear operating standards need to be developed within the Champasak Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Providing education matched to the operating standards ensures clear expectations of job performance.

Standards must include both skill and leadership development.

The education and training must have in-class and experiential components to re-enforce these standards.

How to Meet the Need

The School

Problem- based Learning

Generic Skill Development

Competency Development

Potential Students Competition Operations Tuition Potential Locations

The School

Thank You