Aquinas steers youth to achieve academic excellence

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The revival of global tourism is a shot in the arm for the hospitality industry but lack of qualified personnel has severely dampened prospects of this lucrative segment of tourism.

The tourism industry is in dire need of knowledgable people who could infuse new blood to the hospitality segment which is recovering from the drop in tourist arrivals.

Aquinas University College has been in the forefront of education and steering youth to achieve academic excellence to excel in life.

The Hospitality Management Program at Aquinas College is a good perfect start for those determined to gain a competitive edge in a highly versatile industry.

The 12- module Diploma Course is offered by the College and London College Dublin (LCD) in affiliation with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA).

The program will include administration and hotel management, rooms division management, food and beverage management, sales and marketing, training and HR management.

Rector Aquinas University College, Rev. Fr. Placidus De Silva said students aspiring a career in hotel management would benefit immensely from this investment.

An internationally recognised panel of advisors and management aspects are some of the added advantages of the program.

The courses will be revised constantly to ensure that students stay ahead of technological advances, business demands and human resource concerns.

Academic Director Aquinas University College, Milinda Hettiarachchi said there is a growing demand for professionals in hotel management world over and added that this course would give a competitive edge to students against others.

The student friendly approach with a more flexible program for those employed to obtain a mid career professional qualification is another distinct advantage of the program.

Students who obtain the diploma are eligible to join universities in Ireland, UK and USA for degree courses.

The London College of Dublin founded in 1999 is one of Dublin's leading business, hotel management and English language schools.

AH&LA is renowned for developing the world's finest training educational resources for the hospitality industry.

Aquinas College of Higher Studies was set up by late Rev Fr. Peter A. Pillai in 1954 to provide opportunities for those who missed university education.

The College is registered with Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka and is affiliated to the International Federation of Catholic Universities in Paris.