Fresh graduates urged to play key role in boosting tourism, service sectors

Graduates from the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies have been urged to put into practice the acquired knowledge to improve tourism and services industry in the country. Various government officials said this during the University’s fifth graduation ceremony held at Petit Stade in Remera, yesterday. Up to 826 students graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in various disciplines, including business and information technology, hotel and restaurants management, travel tourism management and vocational training in food production, air travel administration, airport operations, among others. Zulfat Mukarubega the founder of the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies follows proceedings. Timothy Kisambira “The national vision must be based on relevant knowledge. This is part of government target to make the country top destination of conferences, and leisure tourism to enhance tourism industry contribution to national development,” said Callixte Kabera, the University’s vice chancellor. Callixte Kabera the Vice Chancellor of UTB gives his opening remarks during the graduation ceremony. Timothy Kisambira He stressed the need for change in the way services are delivered in hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. He emphasised that graduates should play a critical role in boosting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) initiative in which government invested a lot of money for tourism industry development. Representatives from other universities stand to be recognised. Timothy Kisambira In 2014, Rwanda Development Board launched the MICE initiative as it sought to generate more revenues from hospitality sector. “Through education we provide, we try to match knowledge with what is needed on the labour market, and fill gaps in the tourism industry,” Kabera added. He urged graduates to be hard working, creative and innovative entrepreneurs in order to tackle unemployment and poverty in the country. Dr Abdallah Baguma, the director of academic quality at the Higher Education Council, said there is still a gap of qualified workers in tourism and services industry. “The number of needed workers is still a drop in the ocean. Even teachers in this sector are still few. The ervices and tourism sectors are expanding by the day and, therefore, need more workers,” he said. Noting the need for quality education, he urged schools to work closely with the private sector that employs their graduates. Prof Tombola M.Gustave the Vice Chancellor academics at UTB invites heads of faculties to present names of the graduands. Timothy Kisambira Best performers rewarded The best performing graduates in various faculties were awarded trophies and different opportunities. In the Business and Information Technology department, Francine Mukayizere emerged the best student with first class degree. Liliane Ingabire, who also got first class degree in travel and tourism management class, will be granted Sulfo Industries products for a period of one year, while RwandAir agreed to provide air travel opportunities to the best performers. Graduates celebrate at Petit Stadium. Timothy Kisambira editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Fresh graduates urged to play key role in boosting tourism, service sectors