CQUniversity is continuing its national leadership for international tourism and hospitality volunteer projects sponsored by the Australian Government.

The University's Tourism and Hospitality program has led a new ‘Australian Partner Organisation' (APO) relationship - the Australian Volunteers for International Development - funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

Vanuatu tourism PHOTO courtesy Suzanne Noakes

The next volunteer placement will commence in July when successful candidate Lucy Battaglene, from Hobart, commences a 12-month placement as Training Development Officer (Hospitality and Tourism) with the Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Training Centre (HTLTC) within the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT).

Lucy has previous Vanuatu experience through an Australian Youth Ambassador role as a Tourism Development Officer in Lamap, South Malekula, Vanuatu.

‘"Lucy's task this time will be to contribute to improving the quality of tourism and hospitality education offered in Vanuatu," said Steve Noakes, Head of Program for Tourism and Hospitality at CQUniversity who will act as the volunteer APO for the new placement within the Vanuatu Institute of Technology.

"The capacity development areas Lucy will engage in include improved engagement between VIT, industry and other relevant institutions, a focus on academic and professional pathways, enhancement of curriculum content and teaching practice, strengthening of management of the centre, and quality assurance and program accreditation."

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman has endorsed internationalisation and engagement as key factors in improving student outcomes.

Mr Noakes said that volunteering overseas is one way Australians can make a positive contribution to poverty reduction, sustainable development and cross-cultural understanding.

Vanuatu tourism PHOTO courtesy Suzanne Noakes

"The Australian Government-funded international volunteers program supports developing economies in their efforts to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals - a topic included in the tourism courses offered by CQUniversity," he said.

"It also opens up opportunities for our students, our staff and regional community members across a range of disciplines.

"Being an APO assists us in developing new relationships with organisations overseas as well as strengthening existing links with education and training institutions, industry, governments and communities."

LINK HERE, HERE and HERE for details on Tourism and Hospitality Management programs

Vanuatu tourism PHOTO courtesy Suzanne Noakes