By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

The Belau Tourism Association is spearheading a wine and cheese tasting and auction on March 31.
The BTA for the first time will be hosting a wine and cheese tasting to elevate the knowledge of the local people especially those in the service oriented industry.
The event will be held at Cliffside.
Jennifer Koskelin said that prior to the wine and cheese tasting, a training will be conducted with staff from food industry to help them hone skills in choosing wine and learn more about wine characteristics and varieties.
BTA, she said in bringing in a wine master to conduct the training.
A fee of $25 for BTA members and $35 for non-members will be charged as training fee for the whole event which will start on March 30.
BTA said the wine tasting and cheese event is aimed at raising knowledge of those involved in the tourism industry in sync with the aim to package Palau as a high-end tourist spot.
BTA said this is the first time ever that a wine and cheese tasting event will be conducted.
The wine and cheese tasting event will cost $50.