Thursday, 3 April 2014 00:00
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Thames College the key centre in Sri Lanka offering the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH-UK) gold standard professional qualification in hospitality and tourism education, celebrated its 4th anniversary last week.
A special program was organised to commemorate this occasion with the Chief Guest being Sue Graham, Head of Operations and Compliance of the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality.
Addressing the gathering the CEO and Head of Academics Sanju Dissanayake stated that Thames had commenced their journey four years ago and today they could proudly say that they have achieved and accomplished much success. She added that they have seen a rapid growth during the last year where Thames has increased its student base with multicultural diversity, while enhancing its quality and standard.
Thames also launched an innovative concept to build its brand image by appointing seven brand ambassadors, who were real customers that have experienced the brand and had confidence in recommending Thames College to other prospective customers. Dissanayake further pointed out that being recognised as a key centre for the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH-UK) gold standard professional qualification in Hospitality and Tourism was a part of their testament to the success they had attained in the market.
Chief Guest Sue Graham endorsed this statement by saying that Thames College matched up to the quality standards that is expected by Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH-UK) in terms of meeting the expected total quality management criteria of having a team of professionally qualified and experienced lecturers that hold key positions in the industry, the approach in delivering lectures, the right facilities and environment for students and a dedicated team of staff members that guide, motivate and advise students in gaining the best in their qualifications as well as their careers.
She also explained that currently there are more than 700 CTH accredited centres worldwide and only 22 centres were privileged to obtain key centre status and among them were Thames College.
Graham also noted that CTH is keen to help equip Sri Lankans with the skills to be the managers and leaders of hotels in their own country. “I really do think now is a critical time for Sri Lanka in terms of investing in its own people for the future and a massive opportunity will be missed if students do not get the appropriate and necessary qualifications, which CTH can provide,” she said.
At this occasion Thames College introduced their first ever CSR initiative by offering a full scholarship in Tourism or Hospitality management from Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality – UK (CTH-UK) worth Sri Lanka rupees 800,000 to a deserving Sri Lankan. Hotels, travel agencies, air lines, and the general public can forward their nominations to [email protected] on or before 30 April 2014.
The winner will gain the benefit of following the QCF Diploma Level 4 to QCF Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma and complete the full program with Thames College free of charge.
Another main activity at the occasion was the launch of the new website by Thames College Chairman Priyantha Padmasiri. The new website, www.thamescollege.lk includes unique features such as a job bank where Thames will be publishing hospitality and tourism related vacancies and user friendly easy options to make inquiries.
Managing Director Chinthana Vithanage presented a special token of appreciation to Nishantha Jayasinghe for bringing honour to Thames College by obtaining a full scholarship for the best results globally for the Level 5 Diploma (CTH-UK). The scholarship was awarded by Glyndwr University London for the Bachelor (Hons) degree top up.
The event concluded with the presentation of an award to CEO Dissanayake by the Chairman of Thames for her valuable contribution towards the successful performance of the company.
Thames College will continue to strengthen its position in the education market by adding value to the tourism and hospitality industry by producing students that will uphold the highest standards in terms of delivery and service.
