The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is exploring opportunities to strengthen tourism and hospitality education through potential collaboration with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in the United States.
The discussions took place today during a meeting between RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irène Murerwa and a delegation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, led by Professor Junehee Kwon, Head of the Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The meeting focused on potential areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing tourism and hospitality training in Rwanda, with particular emphasis on developing practical skills that meet the needs of the industry.
Among the key areas discussed was the proposed introduction of a Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management programme in Rwanda. The initiative could help expand educational opportunities for aspiring professionals while equipping students with the knowledge and competencies required to excel in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The two sides also explored the possibility of establishing partnerships with hospitality operators to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace experience. Such collaboration would provide students with practical training opportunities, enabling them to develop industry-relevant skills and deliver high-quality services.
Emphasis was placed on preparing a skilled workforce capable of meeting international service standards and responding to the evolving demands of the tourism and hospitality industry.
The discussions reflect opportunities for cooperation between academic institutions and industry stakeholders to support skills development and strengthen Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality workforce.
By exploring international academic partnerships, Rwanda aims to identify approaches that can contribute to professional training, service excellence and the continued development of its tourism and hospitality sectors.