Current problems of staff training in the sphere of tourism and hospitality in Russia and abroad

Tourism in Russia lacks highly qualified staff. It is caused with insufficient level of education and lack of motivation. In general, the hotels employ staffs who have no education in the sphere of tourism and hospitality, as well as lack of knowledge of foreign languages, which is unacceptable in this sphere. It provides low level and quality of service. Practice in this sphere is an important factor, but not the only important one. Theoretical base is also an important aspect. The European level of service proves each day its superiority, combining a powerful theoretical base and practice, which has been perfected over the years. This level of professionalism is increasingly promoted by schools specializing in training in tourism and hospitality which exist in all developed European countries. Such schools differ from state educational institutions by the presence of an extensive profile-training base, which helps to improve the professional level of future specialists. The opening of these schools in Russia can stimulate the development and improvement of the service level. Their opening should be provided in major tourist centers, for example, Moscow and St. Petersburg, where the shortage of highly qualified staff is felt most strongly. European specialists, who have really been able to learn and create a firstclass level of service, should be invited in order to get professional knowledge and experience. Only learning from the best you can become the best. Then Russia can become a worthy competitive country in the tourist market.