SLITHM to select first group for overseas training program

Thursday, 7 May 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Waruni Paranagamage The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) announced that it would be selecting its first group of students to undergo overseas training. A selected batch of 30 academic staff from the SLITHM will also undergo further training at the Polytechnic University in Hong Kong later this month. The initiative is part of an industry-wide effort to adopt a structural approach to meeting the growing needs of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and was spearheaded by SLITHM Chairman Kapila Yakandawala and SLITHM Director General A.S. Deen under the auspices of Minister of Tourism and Sports, Navin Dissanayake and Deputy Minister Wasantha Senanayake. Sri Lanka is working to transform its tourism sector into the island’s largest foreign exchange earner by attracting 2.5 million tourists in the year 2016. On its path to expanding tourism sector a heavy focus has been given to attract tourists and investors alike, from many foreign countries. It has highlighted that Sri Lanka is becoming one of the most sought after new holiday destinations for many international travellers who seek a combination of exotic experience and exciting travel. The Government is also planning to improve productivity within the tourism industry by building professionalism in the travel and hotel industries. Apart from the efforts of SLITHM, the private sector is also being encouraged to set up human resource development centres both locally and globally, to meet the emerging needs of the tourism industry. Yakandawala asserted that the courses offered by the institute provide the skills and knowledge for students to be competent in a broad range of managerial skills in tourism operations. He added that the institute was fully equipped with a host of modern facilities including cutting edge kitchens, restaurants, computers, laboratories, libraries, classrooms, laundry, bakery and all contemporary equipment required for every student to understand and study detailed aspects of the tourism industry. “SLITHM has provided a foundation for many hoteliers. Our courses provide knowledge and skills in travel and tourism marketing and product planning and development preparing them to meet the challenges of the ever changing tourism industry. “Our students can be assured of a highly personalised and individual approach to their learning. Our graduates can be found in Senior Management positions all around the Globe. Their success shows that to reach the top it pays to start at the top,” Yakandawala said.