The importance of tourism in Ronda cannot be understated, aside from Unicaja, the tourism industry is the largest employer in the town, and most definitely the largest employer in the Serranía, either directly or indirectly, yet people who work in the industry have needed to leave the area to receive training and certification.
That is all about to change with the creation of the Escuela de Turismo y Hostelería de Ronda (School of Tourism and Hospitality), with courses starting in November 2010 and graduates expected to be available to enter the workforce after mid 2011, after studying a range of programs including restaurant and bar, events and tourist activities, hotels and guesthouses, and cooking and nutrition.
All programs have specific requirements that students must pass their English exams and excel in customer service before they will be awarded their certificates, which marks a significant development, and demonstrates the ongoing commitment of tourism operators in Ronda to lift their standards of service befitting a world class destination.
Organized and managed by APYMER, the chamber of commerce for Ronda and Campillos, the courses promise to immediately satisfy the needs of local hospitality enterprises by providing essential training that small family owned businesses are not themselves able to offer in terms of on the job training.
To be located in the Circulo de Artistas, the school will share premises with the International Media School close to Plaza de Socorro, which it is hoped will give students the opportunity to see customer service in action at close proximity. Catering practice is also assured as the Media School and Circulo de Artistas both regularly host large groups from outside Ronda.
Students will gain more than just practical hospitality skills as part of the coursework also introduces them to marketing, management, finance, and environmental impact relating to the tourism industry, with the goal of producing students capable of being part of sustainable tourism initiatives that are currently finding favour with both the Ayuntamiento and Junta de Andalucía.
For more information about the school, or to enroll as a student (must speak Spanish) contact Miguel Ruiz or Piedad Garcia Perez at the APYMER offices in Call Maria Cabrera, 5, or telephone 952 87 84 92, or check out the schools facebook page: Escuela de Turismo y Hostelería de Ronda
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I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!