Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

Following the government’s recent decision to allow open an entry point in Samdrupjongkhar, a two-week advanced cooking course was conducted in Samdrupjongkhar to boost the culinary skills of those in the hospitality and tourism industry.

About 26 staff and hoteliers from Samdrupjongkhar and Pemagatshel were trained on cooking 49 Continental and Indian cuisines.

The trainer, chef Tshewang Penjor, said participants were trained based on the ingredients available in Samdrupjongkhar.

A participant, Norbu Zangpo, said that since most of the participants were staff and owners of the hotels, it would help to revive the dying hotel business.

“It would also help to boost the business once the tourism entry point opens in Samdrupjongkhar.”

The senior labour officer, Tshongtu, said the objectives for organising such programme was to enhance quality and access to skilling opportunities which meet the skills required of the industry, enhance productivity and performance of workforce and to impart Continental and Indian cuisines to cater both international and regional tourists, among others.

He said that the regional labour office in collaboration with the ministry would also conduct training on western garment tailoring, accounting, and home appliances repair, traditional tailoring, and beauty and saloon training.

The regional labour office and NLD Institute in Thimphu conducted the programme in collaboration with the ministry of labour and human resource. The government of India funded the programme that ended on August 1.