Special American Business Internship Training Program
Promoting Partnerships, Generating Results

SABIT GROUP PROGRAM

DESTINATION TOURISM FOR THE CRIMEA
for Ukraine

October 31 – November 21, 2009

SCOPE AND MISSION
The Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program’s Destination Tourism for the Crimea Program is designed to train up to 16 mid- to senior-level tourism industry professionals from the Crimea. These delegates, screened and selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce, represent government and private sector experts who are seeking information on industry trends and innovations in destination tourism. This program will introduce these professionals to industry developments, and help them establish contacts with U.S. tourism organizations for future projects and activities.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
SABIT’s Destination Tourism for the Crimea Program will provide an a comprehensive overview of the tourism industry in the United States, with an emphasis on topics such as destination management, local government tourism policy, economic and financial issues, marketing and new business development. This will be done primarily through various types of meetings with leading U.S. private companies, industry associations, and state and local government. Focusing on these major thematic areas, participants will be better equipped to continue the development of the tourism sector in their Ukraine, and will be better prepared to work successfully with U.S. partners.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION
This is a unique opportunity for U.S. organizations and companies to provide industry insight and training while showcasing their facilities, products and services to their Ukrainian counterparts. Through hosting this SABIT group, U.S. companies, associations, and governmental organizations actively involved with the tourism sector will have the chance to gain influential contacts, and establish or expand their operations and activities throughout Ukraine. Participating U.S. host companies will find the personal contacts made by hosting the delegation will greatly improve their opportunities with these industry leaders.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
This program will begin October 31, 2009 in Washington, D.C. with an orientation and visits to relevant government agencies and associations in the Washington, DC-area. During the remaining two weeks the delegation will travel to select regions and cities across the country to meet with leading U.S. tourism professionals.

HOST THIS DELEGATION
SABIT is currently looking for U.S. hosts to provide training sessions ranging from a few hours up to a full day at their facilities. Training should emphasize some of the following topics that represent the current challenges participants face within their organizations with respect to the development of the tourism sector:

Sales and marketing

Financial management and accounting

Industry regulation and certifications

Destination management

Tour product development

Site assessment and development

Tourism promotion