Institute of Tourism

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/1398

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    “Bridging the Skill Gaps”: Analyzing the Mismatch between Hospitality Education and Industry Needs in Uganda
    (African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2024) Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba; Murimi, Njue Michael
    This is a persistent problem of skill mismatch between graduates and employers’ needs in the Ugandan hospitality industry, resulting in skill deficits that hamper employability and industry advancement. Identifying the causes of these skill gaps is the aim of this study, together with establishing recommendations to narrow the gap existing between hospitality education and the industry. The study adopted the qualitative case study research design and sampled 26 respondents from recent hospitality graduates and employers, educators or trainers, and policymakers in Kabale District, Uganda. The findings were encoded through thematic analysis. Theoretical orientation is scant with practical and interpersonal skills. Some employers also reported a concern that more attention should be paid to enhancing the practical readiness of graduates at workplaces and that there should be an increased dialog between educational institutions and employers in the hospitality sector. According to the results of the study, there is a need for a closer connection between curricula and industry demands, interconnecting the abilities needed for practical work and soft skills. Recommendations include increasing communication between teachers and supervisors from industry, enhancing internship programs, and including practical aspects. It is recommended that such collaborations be promoted through policy and funding to guarantee the appropriate match of education to the labor market requirements. These steps are relevant for reducing the existing skill gap and making graduates fit for employment opportunities in the industry.
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    An Overview of Tourism Sector in the Post-Covid-19 Period and beyond among East Africa Countries
    (International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality (IJRTH), 2024) Njue, Michael; Nyamogosa, Henry; Lopar, Samuel; Amata, Mwalo
    The paper gives an overview of the tourism sector in the post Covid-19 period among East African Countries which forms the East African Community (EAC) an intergovernmental organization comprised of 7 nations in East Africa. The article introduces the EAC region and tourism industry, its current status, and significance. The study’s findings are based on desktop research methodology that relied on published reports, studies, and statistics. Further, the paper summarizes the tourism industry of member states before, during, and the period after the Covid-19 pandemic in the region. The article provides statistical evidence on the Post Covid-19 tourism numbers reflecting growth and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, the study provides the pathways and opportunities for states and region for the recovery, growth, and development beyond the pandemic. In conclusion, the statistical evidence provided finds that most of East African countries are at above 50 percent recovery level. The study recommends a more organized open data collection regarding the tourism industry in the east African countries for a longer period as a necessity. The growing body of research on the tourism industry necessitates the emphasis on this rigorous data collection and documentation.
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    Socio-emotional Skills and Graduate Employability in the Hospitality Sector of South Western Uganda, Kigezi Sub -Region.
    (Kabale University, 2024) Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba; SSempala, Fredrick; Ampumuza, Christine; Mbowa, Henry Stanley
    Hospitality graduates struggle to secure employment in the hospitality sector. This study examined the relationship between socio-emotional skills and graduate employability in the hospitality sector in the southwest Uganda-Kigezi sub-region. The research design employed in this study was the cross-sectional quantitative research design with a population of 640 graduates and a sample size of 400 was established for hospitality graduates based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970). The data was collected using structured and unstructured questionnaires and the data analysis was done by SPSS V. 23 Smart PLS V 4 and NVivo. Socio-emotional skills like emotional intelligence, teamwork, and communication skills were found to affect graduate employability. Numerous barriers were pointed out, like lack of experience and limited chance to meet others. Based on the study findings call for focusing on practical training and internships with institutions and industries to acquire skills required for improvement in the job market. Recommendations included curriculum integration, industry collaboration, practical experience internships and apprenticeships, and creating a linkage between HEIs and the hospitality sector. Furthermore, the development of socio-emotional skills is a prerequisite for the development of employment in the hospitality sector. This study may contribute to the existing literature on the development of soft skills and employment, and the findings from this study may be helpful for analogous study environments in Southwestern Uganda—Kigezi Sub-Region.
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    Adoption of ICT in Hotel Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda: Case Study of Selected Hotels in Kigezi Sub Region.
    (Kabale University, 2024) Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba; Turyasingura, Benson; Rwotolonya, Sarah
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Information and Communication Technologies(ICT) transformed tourism and hospitality worldwide; however, few studies havebeen conducted to present local evidence on adopting ICT in the hotel sector. Thestudy aimed to examine the effects of ICT on the hotel sector in the Kigezi region,the adoption of ICT in hotels during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and ICT trends in thehotel business for 2023. The study employed a case study design, utilising qualitativeand quantitative approaches to provide relevant and accurate research information.Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, 68 respondents wereselected to participate from a total population of 250. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with the hotel participants. The ANOVAresults show a significant effect of ICT on hotel guests and receipts since the P-valueis between 0.00 and 0.05. This indicates that the impact of ICT adoption extendedbeyond hotel receipts and guests. This research demonstrates that many hotels haveadopted ICT and improved service speed and quality through ICT adoption. Even still, ICT adoption by hotels in the Kigezi Sub-region is not at the anticipated level.