UTG introduces advanced degree programme in tourism

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Professor Muhammadou Kah, vice chancellor of the University noted that the programme would be sponsored by the Commonwealth Distant Learning Scholarship, and has already awarded funds for 15 candidates to study for the MSc Responsible Tourism Management through a partnership between the University and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (UK and West Africa).

 

According to Kah, the programme is necessary to build the capacities of the future generation in tourism operations as it would help address the capacity vacuum in the tourism sector.

He said the the programme would also aid the university to develop the capacity of those who will also have the requisite qualification to teach tourism in the undergraduate curriculum and also to launch a Bachelors of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

“The primary aim is to build the capacity of the University and professionals working in tourism and development by furthering their knowledge and skills for delivering and teaching responsible tourism in The Gambia for the benefit of local communities, and to contribute to the Millennium Development Goals,” he said.

He pointed out that it is quite significant and timely, as it will not only address the needs of the university but will also bring professionals from the Ministry of Tourism who will be part of the first cohort of the programme and will be also be given the full scholarship to pursue their Masters Degree programme in tourism in the university.

“The University of The Gambia recognizes the importance of the tourism and hospitality sector in The Gambia and is committed to contribute hugely in the development of the needed capacity and competence in diverse professional skills in the tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.
He said the course content is designed to inform thinking and action aimed at using tourism as a vehicle for poverty alleviation as its approach enables students to apply their learning to implementing changes in their own workplaces and practice responsible tourism to 'make better places for people to live in and for people to visit'.

He further indicated that the scholarship is a generous gesture from the Commonwealth for which the University is grateful. He expressed hope that the students would on completion of their Master degree continue to pursue their PhD programmes.

Also speaking at the press conference, Dr. Jainaba ML Kah, director of the Management Development Institute explained that the programme would be conducted online, and would be run in the School of Business and Public Administration.

According to her, the programme which is a three year programme could still be completed in two years, and it is targeted at people mid-career and upper management echelons of the tourism industry. She said the programme would no doubt help improve the skills of practitioners in the nation’s tourism industry.

Mr. David Hind, head of Tourism programme at the Leeds Metropolitan University noted that the new relationship with the University of The Gambia is a great pleasure for his institution, and they are ready to offer their internationally respected Responsible Tourism management programme to their Gambian counterpart. He said the course has attracted senior executive from the Travel and Tourism industry from throughout the world, and that it would hopefully do the same in The Gambia.

According to Hind, the intention of the course is to help develop managers who have very strong understanding of how tourism can contribute to local, cultural and economic development so that the tourism industry will not only benefit the tour operators, the travel agencies, and the airlines but would also contribute immensely to the economic development of the country.

He further said that the course hopes to produce highly qualified graduates from the tourism sector so that they can contribute immensely to the development of tourism in the country.

Mr. Sheikh Tijan Nyang of the ICRT, who is also the head of Institute of Travel and Tourism in The Gambia (ITToG) also lauded the partnership, saying the programme will help to improve the capacities of individuals involved in the tourism development sector. He described The Gambia as one of the best tourism destinations in the whole of Africa.

He also said that the programme will help the country develop policies geared towards responsible tourism, expressing the hope that The Gambia would be Africa’s prime tourism destination very soon.

For his part, Mr. Abdoulie Touray, chairman of International Center for Tourism in West Africa said one of the shortcomings of the Gambian tourism sector is capacity building, especially in higher education in the sector. He noted their delight at the collaboration with the Leeds Metropolitan University and also the support from the Commonwealth Secretariat to institute a programme in tourism. He promised his organisation’s continued support for the programme.

He also expressed the hope that the programme will grow from strength to strength.