Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» of Queensland’s is collaborating with (VRTP) to provide Chinese language and culture courses to theme park employees.
The number of Chinese visitors to Queensland increased by 21 per cent in 2015 and China is now the largest international market for VRTP.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Confucius Institute Director Professor Ping Chen said the 12-week intensive Chinese language and culture courses were tailored to the needs of the VRTP business.
“The courses have been designed so that team members receive language and culture training specific to their duties at each theme park with interactive lessons developed to enhance the learning experience,” Professor Chen said.
“The Institute provides support for this program and has worked closely with Saint Stephen’s College in Coomera – where the courses are being delivered.
“Given that hundreds of thousands of Chinese visitors come to Queensland each year, the Institute is proud to be part of this initiative, which supports the local tourism industry.”
VRTP’s Human Resources Divisional Manager Tony Lines said team members across the company had jumped on board to expand their knowledge base.
“There has been a tremendous and diverse response to the courses from our team members, ranging from entry level staff to general managers,” Mr Lines said.
“Thanks to the Confucius Institute and Saint Stephen’s College, we are able to provide our team members with this wonderful opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the Chinese language and culture, which will help our business provide a better overall guest experience.”
VRTP is Australia’s largest theme park operator with Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular, Village Roadshow Studios and Sea World Resort under its Gold Coast portfolio.
The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Confucius Institute seeks to promote the learning of the Chinese language and culture at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» and the broader community, offering corporate services upon request to cater for specific interests and focus areas.
Media: Gillian Ievers, g.ievers@uq.edu.au, +61 7 33461633, 0406 510 668; Ben Kelly, Confucius Institute, b.kelly1@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 7898.
