Several community members involved in the tourism sector in Thandaung Gyi in Kayin State, benefitted from a one week Hospitality English course from August 18-23, 2017. This was organized and conducted by the Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute (MRTI) in collaboration with the Thandaung Gyi Tourism Development Working Group (TTDWG). Ishwar Persad, a Canadian Cuso International volunteer and Community Tourism Advisor based with MRTI, conducted the training.  Up to 19 persons benefitted from the course, during which they learnt English language centred around tourism and hospitality areas such as:
– greetings and introductions
– giving directions and information
– food and beverage
– bed and breakfast language
– shopping language

Attendees were also led on a walking trip through Thandaung Gyi, to practice their language skills in hospitality settings such as a restaurant and shop. Following the successful completion of the course, the TTDWG has requested that MRTI conduct a second English training in October 2017.