The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) of the Tamale Technical University (TaTU) has held its 16th annual exhibition and practical projects of its final year student to showcase the potential of the graduates to the world.
The event dubbed “Greening the Future: Sustainable Innovations in Hospitality and Tourism” brought together various departments, management of the University, stakeholders from the industry to assess the potentials of the students, the department and the need for collective responsibility to foster sustainable practices within the industry.
Products exhibited at the events were pastries, canned products, soft drinks, cooked foods, grains, and other products made by the final years.
Speaking at the ceremony the Head of Department of Ecotourism and Hospitality at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Dr. Conrad Wuleka Kuuder commended the department for the tremendous efforts in training the younger generation for a better future.
According to him, green building practices help to utilize recycled materials, optimize energy efficiencies, and incorporate natural lighting and ventilation in the construction of eco-friendly hotels.
In the advance world, many tour operators are now investing in electric vehicles for transport, bike rentals and shuttle services that encourages eco-friendly travel, he said.
Sustainable innovations also involve fostering connections with local communities and tour operators to offer programmes of cultural exchange which ensures that tourism benefits the people who live in the local destinations, he added.
He stressed that using biodegradable and recyclable materials help to combat plastic waste and related pollutions and thereby foster a sustainable food system that aligns with both local and global environmental needs.
As students, you are in the right institution and department where hands-on and practical training skills are imparted to you. You have no reason to be jobless when you leave campus, he said.
Prof Bawah Yussif Adam, Dean of Applied Arts representing the Vice Chancellor of TaTU Prof Bashiru Ibn Moro Saeed as one of the world largest and fastest-growing sector, the industry plays a pivotal role in the global economy and in Ghana, it is a significant contributor to the Gross Domestic Product(GDP).
He said, training students in hospitality and tourism resource intensive and therefore requires significant investment in modern facilities, up-to-date technology, industry standard equipment and experienced facility.
“We will only not ensure our students learn the skills required by the industry but also understand the importance of sustainability as well equip them to lead the transition towards greener practices”, he said.
We therefore need the support of government, stakeholders, private sector partners and philanthropists to help provide practical training or scholarship for deserving students while providing quality education for the younger generation, he appealed.
At TaTU, we are committed to providing students with the best education to prepare them for careers in the industry, he added.
We are also committed in empowering women through education and innovation and in the sector, women represent majority but are often underrepresented hence the need for support to bridge the gap to empower more women to take up leadership positions in the industry, he said.
The Dean for Faculty of Applied Science and Technology Prof Abdul-Aziz Ibn Musah said, embracing sustainable practices, can reduce the ecological footprint, support local communities, and promote a more inclusive and resilient industry.
The department he noted has been training quality graduates for the job industry but challenged with infrastructure development and therefore needed support to acquire modern equipment to enhance its training.
The Head of Department for HTM Dr. Abdul-Rahaman Haadi noted that sustainability is not merely a trend; it is a necessity and that the hospitality and tourism sectors are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in promoting sustainable practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
By embracing innovative solutions, we can enhance the experiences of our guests while preserving the natural and cultural resources that make our destinations unique, he added.
We also seek to redefine hospitality and tourism through sustainable innovations that respect our environment, culture, and communities, he said.
“From eco-friendly accommodations to responsible tourism initiatives, the innovations presented here reflect the creativity and commitment of our students, faculty, and industry partners” he stated.
He therefore called for collaborations to discuss, share insights, and explore opportunities that can help address sustainable development.
Source: zaaradio.com
