The Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head has received a $2.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration that will be used to expand access to job training in the state’s culinary arts sector and boost Hawaii tourism.

The project is expected to create 500 new jobs and generate $7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. "This $2.4 million investment in the Culinary Institute is an example of the Obama administration’s commitment to supporting America’s travel and tourism industry by making sure Hawaii and other states are the top choices for international visitors," U.S. Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said Friday. "Travel and tourism are America’s No. 1 services export, and are critical to job creation and economic growth."

On Thursday, the Commerce Department reported that international visitors spent an estimated $14 billion on travel to and tourism-related activities within the U.S. during April.

"This investment in the institute will not only help us maintain that record-setting pace, but also will provide workers and entrepreneurs in Hawaii with the skills they need to attract new customers, start their own businesses and obtain higher-paying jobs."

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said the Culinary Institute at Kapiolani Community College will be a state-of-the-art facility that expands on the expertise of Hawaii’s world-class chefs, farmers and restaurateurs by advancing a curriculum that combines the culinary arts with restaurant management and entrepreneurship.

"Students will work with locally grown produce and be able to fully explore and innovate the cross-cultural cooking style of our islands while learning how to share that talent with our residents and visitors from around the world," Inouye said.