By Taiye Olayemi
The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Hotels and Catering Institute (NHCI) to upscale capacity building in the hospitality industry.
While signing the MoU at NHCI on Wednesday in Lagos, Alhaji Gbenga Sunmonu, President, NHCI, said that the two parties after due consideration of their common objectives, agreed to collaborate.
He said this was to constantly conduct curriculum design, consultancy projects, research and institutional capacity building training programmes.
According to him, the institutes are desirous of strengthening and promoting organisational excellence, best practices and good governance in Gambia and Nigeria.
Sunmonu said the collaboration would enhance present and future productivity and growth through institutional capacity building.
He added that the productivity and growth would be through the instrumentality of best practice for various stakeholders in all branches of Hospitality and Tourism in West Africa.
“Our agreement in this MoU is to jointly organise and carry out institutional capacity building and development programmes.
“Also, to ensure that members of the two institutes participate as resource persons in the delivery of training programmes.
“We will collaboratively develop and deliver projects and training programmes with a view to improving tourism practices in West Africa.
“We will also engage in joint marketing of our programmes where possible, conduct joint research and study visits for our students,” he said.
Also speaking, Momodu Singateh, Director-General, GTHI, said the MoU also sought to facilitate lodging and feeding arrangements for students and staff on study visits.
He emphasised the need for the collaboration to work harmoniously for a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship.
Singateh was accompanied by the Executive Secretary, Gambia Institute of Tours and Travels and several other related agencies of the Gambia Government. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
