Fourteen graduates complete the 5th batch of Bhutan Middle Management Hotel Program
Fourteen graduates have completed the 5th batch of the Bhutan Middle Management Hotel Program at the Royal Institute for Tourism & Hospitality, (RITH). Among them, eight have been awarded the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management while six have received the Certificate of Advanced Studies jointly issued by HWZ University of Applied Sciences Zurich, Switzerland and RITH.
The convocation ceremony held yesterday was graced by the Hon’ble Lyonpo for the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. Other esteemed dignitaries present included the Ministry’s Hon’ble Secretary, Mrs. Marianne Frei, Chairperson of the Swiss Board; Mr. Claudio Zing, representative of Hotel Belvedere; Mr. Linard Brungger, Ambassador Kinga Singye, President of Swiss Bhutan Friendship Society and Vice Chancellor of RUB accompanied by senior officials.
Congratulating the graduates, Lyonpo emphasized the crucial role of the hospitality industry in Bhutan’s evolving tourism sector. She highlighted that as Bhutan aspires to transition to an exotic and high-end tourist destination, the knowledge and expertise acquired through the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management will significantly contribute to the growth and enhancement of Bhutan’s service industry.
During the convocation, three outstanding trainees including Losel Wangpo from The Thimphu Deluxe Hotel, Chhimi Lhamo from Amankora, Thimphu and Sangay Choezom from Osel Hotel were recognized with an opportunity to intern at Hotel Belvedere, Switzerland for two months. The 14 trainees including in-service hotel employees were selected through an entrance exam and an interview.
The program was designed to empower middle-level managers with advanced skills and knowledge essential for elevating the standards of tourism services in Bhutan. It offered a comprehensive curriculum covering professional development and hospitality management, integrating international best practices and expertise from both foreign and local professionals.
Launched in 2008 under the Tourism Council Of Bhutan, the program serves as a platform to offer opportunities for enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of hotel employees. Since its third phase, the program has been funded by the Lottery Fund of the Canton of Zurich with technical and academic support from HWZ University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration, Zurich.
According to a spokesperson, the initiative has effectively prepared graduates within the hospitality sector transforming them into highly sought-after professionals with additional skills. These individuals have gained invaluable experiences through the collaborative efforts.
Meanwhile, an intensive course has been scheduled for six trainees following which they will also be awarded the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management.
Additional pictures online at https://www.facebook.com/SherigBhutan/posts/841767174656330