The African tourism sector witnessed a groundbreaking moment as the UN Tourism Affiliated ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality was officially established in Livingstone, Zambia. This landmark event marks the beginning of a new era in tourism and hospitality education on the African continent, a step forward in empowering the next generation of tourism leaders.
The ceremony, held at in the outskirts of Livingstone, was graced by the presence of UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba. Both dignitaries emphasized the critical role of education in driving sustainable growth in the tourism industry and the importance of investing in people to foster development and innovation.
The Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili who was excited to announce the 1st Tourism Academy on the African continent in collaboration with UN Tourism opined, “Investing in people to help young generations become tourism leaders and work in hospitality is our main objective.” His words resonated deeply, highlighting the academy’s mission to provide concrete skills development opportunities and bridge the knowledge gap in the tourism sector.
Laying the foundation stone in Livingstone, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate. These new Academies in Collaboration with UN Tourism will help train the tourism workers of tomorrow in a range of specialisms, giving African tourism the talent it needs to thrive.”
Minister Rodney Sikumba also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, acknowledging the academy’s potential to transform tourism education in Africa. The establishment of the UN Tourism Academy signifies Zambia’s commitment to becoming a global reference in tourism education, offering a robust curriculum that includes the implementation of the UN Tourism Education Toolkit for high schools and a comprehensive train-the-trainers program.
The ceremony included a symbolic tree planting of Baobab tree representing growth and a bright future for African tourism education. This gesture underscored the collaborative efforts of the UN Tourism organization and the Zambian government in nurturing the continent’s tourism potential.
The UN Tourism Academy aims to provide a platform for aspiring tourism professionals to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the industry. With initiatives like offering 100 scholarships through the UN Tourism Online Academy, the academy is poised to become a beacon of excellence in tourism education, not just in Africa but globally.
This historic milestone is not just about building an institution; it’s about creating a legacy of empowered, educated individuals who will lead the charge in transforming Africa’s tourism landscape. The UN Tourism Academy in Livingstone stands as a testament to the power of education in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the tourism industry.
