By James Wakahiu
Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s students of travel, hospitality
and tourism have benefitted from a public lecture by an expert
from Australia on global trends and requirements for workers in
the sector.
On Monday 14th October 2024, the School of Hospitality,
Travel and Tourism Management at MKU Main Campus in
Thika town hosted a distinguished guest from EUHOFA, The
International Association of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism
Schools in Australia. Mr. Gerald Lipman is a representative
from one of the world’s leading hotel schools.
His insightful talk focused on the essential components of
quality hospitality education and the importance of producing
well-rounded graduates for the global hotel industry. MKU is a
member of EUHOFA, a non-profit association of hotel school
directors and deans of hospitality colleges and universities who
meet and work continuously to ensure the highest quality of
education in their institutes.
Lipman, who has visited other colleges in Kenya in the past,
said the top hotel schools are not only ranked as the best hotel
schools globally, but also operate one of the top-rated hotels in
the world. “This stellar reputation is built upon a commitment to
delivering academic excellence, practical training, and
professional integrity to students,” he said.
The expert also highlighted the significance of blending
classroom learning with hands-on experience, known as
“placement.” He said different countries offer varying
environments for placements, with Australia being a notable
example due to its competitive pay rates, where students can
earn more than A$23 (US$16 or Ksh2,071) per hour.
“However, securing placements in large cities can be
challenging and costly,” he said.
The speaker emphasized that a good hotel graduate should
possess three key attributes: good skills, academic papers and
professionalism. “Graduates should be adept at performing core
hospitality tasks such as table service, setting tables, serving
food and drinks, cleaning rooms and tables, and even checking
guests into rooms,” he said.
Additionally, learners should be well-versed in critical areas
such as management accounting, finance, marketing, and
strategic management. “Schools should ensure that the skills
taught match the current industry practices, allowing students to
cross-check what they learn during their placement with real-
world experiences,” he said.
Finally, a key aspect of professionalism involves working
harmoniously with colleagues, showing respect to customers,
and effectively interacting with senior managers, he added.
The session provided students with a global perspective on the
hospitality industry and encouraged them to strive for excellence
in both their academic and professional lives
EUHOFA INTERNATIONAL is a non-profit association of hotel school
directors and deans of hospitality colleges and universities who meet
and work continuously to ensure the highest quality of education in
their institutes. It is governed by statutes and administered by a board
representing schools and countries from the five continents.
EUHOFA was originally founded in 1955 by hotel school directors in the
Alpine countries Austria, Switzerland and Germany in order to be
informed about the latest trends and developments in the hotel industry
so they could discuss its impact on hospitality education. In fact, they
created the first international network of hotel schools.
The first congress took place in Switzerland in 1962. In 1974 EUHOFA
became a consultative member of the Council of Europe. It adopted
new statutes promoting its expansion not just in Europe but on a
worldwide basis, becoming EUHOFA INTERNATIONAL. Today there are
more than 200 members worldwide, represented exclusively by
directors, deans and principals.
The congresses are organized on an annual basis being hosted by
member schools worldwide. They are the meeting point to learn from
hosting schools and countries, share experiences and best practices and
expand and strengthen the network among the member schools.
You are welcome to visit our web page to learn more about the EUHOFA
INTERNATIONAL family.
If you think your organization would benefit from a membership and
would be eligible to join, please fill in the registration form.
If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact the
Secretary-General or myself.
