TOURISM INSTITUTIONS SHARE COMMON VISION TO ADVANCE TOURISM (South Africa & Seychelles cooperation)
ATP- Arab tourism portal- The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) at a prestigious event that was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Tourism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s hotel school.
The MoU is a mutual agreement that will enable students and staff from both institutions to participate in exchange programmes in the field of Tourism and Hospitality.
“We are pleased to have been part of this momentous occasion. Since the signing of the bi-lateral agreement on tourism between South Africa and the Seychelles, relations between the two countries have grown,” said Ms. Bulelwa Seti, Chief Director within Branch: International Tourism Management (ITM) at the Department of Tourism.
The Department of Tourism and Seychelles Tourism have been instrumental in the realisation of this partnership, which has been 2 years in the making.
“The signing of this MoU will ensure that we continue to work together in tourism to find solutions to challenges surrounding skills development and job opportunities on the continent and Indian Ocean Rim region,” added Seti.
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) are both post-secondary educational institutions that desired to co-operate in the field of training and research.
“The partnership between our institutions will be beneficial to both countries, and will enable young professionals to advance their careers in the industry,” said Ms Mandisa Silo, Head of Sports, Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
The two institutions will facilitate the placement of young Chefs in both countries, promote the exchange of research and postgraduate employees during sabbatical leave, and promote postgraduate joint research projects and publications.
According to the General Manager at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), Mr. Peter Moncherry, tourist arrivals from South Africa to the Seychelles have increased by 10% in the past few years.
“Seychelles and South Africa share the same sentiments when it comes to tourism growth, the two countries have passion and are committed to the sector. This MoU will not only assist to capacitate students in key hospitality skills, but it will also ensure that a high standard of Service Excellence is guaranteed to visitors in both countries,” added Moncherry.
