PROMINENT Burnie-based training company, Outside the Square Solutions, is conducting a training program, ‘Enhancing the Chinese Tourist Experience’, for owners and employees of local tourist and hospitality businesses, so they are better able to service the growing number of Chinese tourists coming to Tasmania.

Funded by Skills Tasmania, the program will beheld in Tasmania’s North and North West, from May to August this year.

It comprises three nationally accredited courses, covering customer service, sourcing tourism information and Chinese social and cultural sensitivity.

Each of the courses carry points towards a Certificate of Hospitality or Tourism and are held over three nights.

Participants only need to pay $40 to attend, making this an opportunity not to be missed.

According to the Tasmanian Tourism Snapshot, released by Tourism Tasmania, Chinese tourist numbers increased 61 per cent to 20,800 for the year ending September 2014, making it the largest sector of the state’s overseas tourists.

Award-winning tour operator Howard Smith of Cradle Coast Tours said he was looking forward to learning valuable skills and knowledge through the courses.

“I am getting more Chinese tourists every year and want to be able to make their stay more enjoyable, so I can’t wait to do the program – it will fit the bill for many operators,” he said.

The program is facilitated by Julie Kiss from Outside the Square Solutions, in conjunction with Chinamax managing director, Ian Jones, who recently spent 10 years living in southern China operating bars and restaurants.

“The Tasmanian economy is increasingly relying on tourism revenue, so we must do a better job of taking care of this important tourist group,’’ Mr Jones said.

‘‘Sometimes it’s the little things that can make such a difference to a visitor.

“We will be using a language expert to provide training in basic communication and to explain Chinese superstitions around numbers like four and eight – one is bad, one is good.”

Inquiries for the program can be made to Outside the Square Solutions on 6432 3336.