| Sports |
Students to
graduate in tourism degree
By KEVIN PAMBA
A group of 19
students at Divine Word University scored personal milestones in
their young lives and are preparing to face the challenges of
the world outside of the classroom.
The pioneer batch of DWU's Tourism and Hospitality Management
degree students have just completed their studies and are raring
to go out into the workforce.
They are the first intakes of the degree program the University
launched two years ago in its bid to contribute to the growth of
the much-talked-about tourism and hospitality industry.
Previously, DWU offered only a diploma course in this field,
which was the pioneer formal training program for the industry
in the country.
The 19 students - 14 girls and 5 boys - are expected to formally
graduate during the University's graduation in February 2008.
The students expressed satisfaction of being part of a milestone
and were grateful and optimistic about the future of the
industry, which many continue to say that can be the country's
major revenue earner if developed well.
Leah Aisi from Central province said: "I am so grateful to be a
pioneer student of this program and to those who made it
possible for me. I am interested in working in the tourism and
travel industry and as a research officer after completing a
major research paper in my degree program.
Rachael Alu, 23, from Banz in the Western Highlands felt
privileged and proud.
"I am very privileged and proud as a pioneer student doing my
bachelors degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at DWU.
"The integrated multidisciplinary approach to this program and
the good relationship between staff and students has helped and
motivated me.
"I would encourage Papua New Guineans to take up this course.
Remember Tourism helps our country economically, environmentally
and socially so let's develop PNG through tourism.
East Sepik student, Delan Anton said: "I'm proud to be a pioneer
student in the field of Tourism & Hospitality Management. It's
been a great challenge but with God all things are possible. My
career interest is to work with an airline company in PNG. This
course broadened my horizon and I am pleased that I took up this
study. My good luck wishes to my colleagues and heartfelt thanks
to my Lecturers.
Kaisa Entonio said: "I feel proud and privileged to be among the
first batch of Degree graduates in the Tourism and Hospitality
Management Program. The integrated multidisciplinary approach to
the program is quite challenging and interesting.
"My interest is in the tourism and travel sector. My research
interest is in tourism development in developing countries and
tourist behaviour in certain destinations so we can better serve
our visitors.
Femson Francis from Eastern Highlands said: "I feel contented as
a Pioneer of the DWU Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality
Management Program.
"The introduction of the program is timely to meet the industry
needs of PNG. My interest lies in working with organizations
that are into sustainability.
"I am also interested in ecotourism and research and hope to
start my own business one day.
Martha Gabina, Milne Bay Province said: "The tourism potential
in Milne Bay Province has got me to study this program. Being a
Pioneer we faced so many challenges but I am proud that we
managed to complete the program.
"I give credit to DWU's IT resources. My group did research on
the perceptions of quality of tourism and hospitality management
education at DWU. I hope to find a suitable position in the
travel and tourism sector.
Mary Kanawi from Manus Province said: "I feel great being a
pioneer student of the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality
Management Program.
"I commend the program as it has broadened my knowledge,
understanding and my perspective of the world. In future I see
myself working and contributing in research to any recognized
tourism organization for the development of the tourism industry
in Papua New Guinea.
Allan Sumb, Tambul/Nebilyer in WHP said: "I am proud to be a
pioneer student of Tourism & Hospitality Management Bachelor
Degree Program. In the past years, PNG students have gone to
Australia to do their bachelor degree. Thanks to DWU for
offering the course here in PNG. DWU has seen the need of Papua
New Guineans to offer a Degree in Tourism and Hospitality
management which meets the expectations of PNG".
Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Department, John Ngunts
Imbal said DWU pioneered the formal tourism and hospitality
education back in 1998.
"DWU was the first national university to recognise the need of
Papua New Guinea's tourism and hospitality industry for high
quality professionals capable of developing one of its promising
industries.
"In 1998 the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management
was established and for the first time offered a Diploma in
Tourism and Hospitality Management.
"The third year of the degree program was offered in 2006 and in
2007 DWU became the first tertiary institution in PNG to offer a
professional four-year degree program leading to a Bachelor of
Tourism and Hospitality Management.
"I was one of the first diploma graduands in 2000 and later
joined Divine Word University Tourism and Hospitality Management
Department in 2002.
"I wrote the degree curriculum and this year we revised the
current curriculum, hopefully it will be implemented next year.
Mr Imbal said in February 2008 we will have the first 19 degree
students graduating with a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality
Management.
"It will be a proud moment for Divine Word University and Papua
New Guinea to witness the first graduation and the initiation of
locally trained professionals entering PNG's tourism industry.
"I give credit to the students themselves, who have worked
really hard to achieve this status, and I challenge the industry
to harness the potential that these students have after their
four years at Divine Word University," said Mr Imbal.
 
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