The management and staff of Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) have been encouraged to develop a multi-dimensional approach to training students, including the use of storytelling.
This advice was given during a week-long training session for UHTTI staff and management, focusing on how they can best leverage available resources to become a center of excellence in hospitality and tourism training.
The training, conducted by renowned Belgian hospitality expert and instructor Olivier Willaert, aimed to share knowledge and best practices on how UHTTI can train holistic tourism professionals.
“Students learn more from storytelling, but the story should be relevant and impactful,” Olivier said.
However, he cautioned against using sad stories, as they can potentially scare students and disrupt their focus.
Olivier also urged management to make effective use of social media to market the institute and increase its visibility.
“You need to develop a ‘talking’ website, one that communicates effectively. You could even include pictures of managers on the website,” Olivier suggested.
The hospitality expert also encouraged staff to develop short courses for individuals who need specific skills but do not have the time for long-term programs.
“The short courses can be designed based on the needs of society at a given time,” Olivier advised.
In recent years, the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute has formed several strategic partnerships, both locally and internationally, aimed at advancing its goal of becoming a center of excellence in tourism and hospitality training.
Among the partners are Koksijde Hospitality School in Belgium, ITH Salzburg in Austria, Noorderpoort Hospitality School in the Netherlands, the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute, and Utali Tourism College in Kenya, among others.
