Story by Memory Chamisa in Uzbekistan
THE 25th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly ended in Uzbekistan this Friday with member states agreeing to establish Tourism Academies in their respective countries.
Cabinet ministers and other key stakeholders in the Tourism industry noted the need for academies that focus on skills training and exchange programmes for capacity building.
Delegates had the opportunity to visit the tourism academy that was built by the Uzbekistan Government with assistance from UNWTO.
The Academy specialises in Tourism and Hospitality training equiping students with the best in practical skills.
United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary General Mr Zurab Pololikashvili said, “The new Samarkand Tourism Academy will serve as another learning centre for our members and industry at large.
“I am deeply grateful to Shavkat Mirziyoyev and my dear friend, H.E. Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov for this massive contribution to tourism education. This is something that must be done in all member states to afford students the best in skills training. Together we can train these workers of tomorrow. Today’s Global Education Forum builds on our priority to strengthen people’s talent and make our sector thrive.”
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi highlighted the significance of such programmes and initiatives to the tourism industry.
“What we have seen here is inspiring, back home we have innovation hubs that are doing so well and we would love to establish such a concept at one of the universities so that our students fully understand what it is like to work in a hotel or restaurant. We are going to engage the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and see what we can do to come up with something like this.
“Already, the Education 5.O Model is yielding results and this can be enhanced if the parent ministries work together. Overally, the assembly has been an eye opener as a lot was discussed with Africa speaking with one voice on its inclusion in most of the organisations’ committees.
The UNWTO General Assembly ended with Saudi Arabia being announced as the host country for the 2025 event.
