The 12 million euro project comprises six sub-projects, including training for more than 2,500 employees from travel companies and hotels nationwide.

The first three training courses, that cover 13 skills, ranging from tour arrangement, tourist guidance, to cooking, hotel security and management, will start in September this year while the next courses will begin in 2006.

The Vietnamese hospitality industry has recorded strong growth over the past 15 years, however, training has been inadequate. The sector needs to employ around 25,000 new skilled staff members a year.