The Cabildo, via Tourism of Tenerife, is demonstrating its dedication to gastronomy with the launch of a series of complimentary courses aimed at the entire value chain of the sector, commencing this month and running until June. These workshops cover a range of topics, from marketing to digitalisation, including contemporary trends and business development. This initiative is part of the Gastronomy and Tourism Plan for the Island, which aspires to enhance its status as a vital differentiator for the destination.
Objective
The objective of these courses is to elevate the businesses of participants by providing content, assessments, and classes conducted by prominent professionals in the Horeca sector (hotels, restaurants, and cafes). The training programme comprises five online courses and six in-person sessions, along with comprehensive consulting for businesses to foster the advancement of R & D & I in Tenerife’s gastronomic sector.
Courses
The five online courses each last six hours and include: 360º gastronomy; The new era of sustainability; Gastronomic trends; Gastronomy marketing; and Business & Gastronomy. Additionally, six face-to-face sessions will take place at various locations across the island, featuring presentations, tastings of local products, and training workshops. Participants may complete the entire programme or enrol in individual courses. Participants will receive an accredited diploma upon completion of each course.
Progress
The first course, gastronomic trends, is currently open for registration. In this course, students will explore the future of gastronomy, gaining insights into digital tools and innovative concepts from expert instructors. This initial course comprises eight modules, each led by a specialist in their respective field.
Creating the concept of your business will assist students in establishing a robust and unique identity and developing a suitable marketing and communication strategy. In parallel, gastronomy marketing strategies will aim to implement inventive marketing methods designed to attract customers, enhance loyalty, and distinguish the business from its competitors.
Which communication channels are essential for your business? This section guides students through the most effective communication strategies for engaging with clients. It also introduces new Horeca entertainment methods, teaching how to craft engaging experiences and environments for the audience that transcend merely gastronomic offerings. Finally, the Chamber Revolution module instructs on refining staff management, scrutinising the evolution of the dining room and its adaptation to present-day trends, with a focus on personalised service and resource optimisation.
Indication
The Vice President and Minister of Tourism of the Cabildo, Lope Afonso, states that “the Master Plan for Gastronomy and Tourism of Tenerife is a vital initiative to bolster and position our gastronomic offerings as a benchmark for quality and sustainability.” He highlighted that “the commitment to complimentary training for professionals in this sector is excellent news,” placing Tenerife’s gastronomy on both national and international platforms. Afonso added, “This strategy will contribute to the sector’s modernisation and reinforce Tenerife as a premier gastronomic destination.” The vice president concluded: “We will continue to advance in this direction, fostering innovation and professionalism in such a critical area for our economy.”
Scope
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tourism of Tenerife, remarked that “this extensive training programme aims to equip professionals in the area with a deeper understanding of products, technology, and the design of gastronomic experiences.” The goal is to “tailor training to the actual demands of the labour market and respond to the tourism sector’s needs.” Melwani emphasised that “training, innovation, and promotion are the three pillars of this Master Plan to achieve excellence in the sector, enhance competitiveness as a travel destination, and support the growth of the local economy, continually investing in the professional development of our workforce.”
Funding
This initiative, financed by the European Union through its Next Generation funds, is a part of the Tenerife Reset project within the Tourism Sustainability Plans Programme approved by the Sectorial Tourism Commission. This initiative consists of various programmes that aim to strengthen the competitiveness of Tenerife’s tourism businesses, emphasising new segments and sector training.
