With Sri Lanka welcoming its millionth tourist during the beginning of this Month, there is no doubt that the hospitality and tourism sector is one of the country’s largest, most diverse and most dynamic industries with many career prospects opening up across the island.
It’s no surprise that annually the industry employs millions of people globally making it amongst the fastest growing industries in the world.
Having opened its doors during 2011, ‘RICH’, Raffles Institute of Catering & Hotel Management founded by renowned industry professional Tony Bohoran, Chairman of Raffles Consolidated today successfully continues to inspire and produce students and prospects for a variety of rewarding careers in the hospitality and tourism field.
Recently they were also assigned to train officers of the Oman Defense services on short term courses in culinary art and Food & Beverage services.
Boasting degrees in Professional Cookery and Food & Beverage management and a well respected product of The Ceylon Hotel School and The Educational Institute affiliated to the University of Michigan, Bohoran said that despite numerous intakes noticeably on common subjects there is an increasing interest and uptake of hospitality and tourism education in Sri Lanka. ‘‘That is no surprise to us all.’’
‘‘The industry opens up a broad range of specializations, from hotel management to food preparation, catering and culinary arts.
These positions gives one the opportunity to work in many environments both locally and internationally including five-star hotels and resorts, restaurants, cruise liners and airlines, tourist destinations and attractions, and also corporate settings.’’
In fact, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, hospitality and tourism sector employs more than 260 million people worldwide and career prospects in the local industry remain stronger than it has ever been.
Today being more fast-paced and competitive than ever, obtaining qualifications in hospitality management is essential to begin or survive as hospitality professional.
RICH delivers demanding qualifications on Pastry & Bakery, International Cookery, Food & Beverage Service, and Hotel & Catering Management.
Additionally the Institute conducts tailor-made, structured and interactive training courses in catering and hospitality management, attracting many young individuals already in the industry yet desiring a formal qualification to enhance their prospects and school leavers from private and government schools in Colombo and its outskirts.
With its established network of hospitality partners RICH sources industrial training opportunities in leading star class hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka.
Affiliated and accredited by City & Guilds International and the Ministry of Education EKSP program, RICH has also made plans to conduct foreign language classes making language a no barrier to individuals and also form strategic alliances and partnerships with industry associations and institutions along this exciting journey.
Among others on the Directors of the Board are Oscar Wanigasekera and Mohan De Silva with years of experience in the hospitality Industry both locally and overseas.
