Karen Henry (Past volunteer) – Tourism Business Trainer/Adviser in Vanuatu
“I love the openness when communicating with people I meet. Initially I was surprised by the directness of being asked ‘who are you’, ‘ where do you live’, ‘where is your husband’ but now it makes me laugh.”
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What Karen is doing in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has six provincial tourism offices, each with just one staff member in the role of manager. There is now a NZ VSA volunteer at four of these offices working alongside the manager and Karen works at the office in Sanma Province. Karen provides advice to ni-Vanuatu locals about establishing or improving island-style guesthouses, tourism activity or specific tour operator businesses. She also identifies and coordinates tourism training.
Making a positive impact
Karen is introducing a six month programme in collaboration with a training provider to provide individual coaching and counseling for a large number of ni-Vanuatu-owned bungalows and guesthouses. For Karen this is an exciting prospect as it has potential to reach a large group across the island.
Karen is also currently supporting a local woman who is organising and promoting Santo’s first ever cultural festival later this year.
Karen’s highlights so far
“I am fortunate to see many interesting parts of this island as operators seek our Department’s support to introduce a new tourism product.”
“I really enjoy the relationship building when working directly with individual business owner/operators. When they achieve their outcomes, they demonstrate their appreciation openly and I have made a new friend.”
What Vanuatu has taught Karen
“It’s easy to start a conversation with complete strangers.”
“How to slow down my previous pace in life.”
“Patience – although I have certainly not mastered this yet!”
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