By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has joined forces with the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) and Lesotho Travel, Tourism, and Teacher Association (LTTA) to host a groundbreaking Travel and Tourism competition that is set to pave the knowledge on how to undertake management of cultural, natural attractions and coordination.
The travel and tourism competition does more than merely educate and inspire; it fosters a sense of ethical responsibility, infusing students with the spirit of hospitality that is at the very heart of the industry. First three winners are awarded trophies and metals however, Leqele High School managed to secure 1st position in the presentation speech.
The competition exposes students to the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and environmental stewardship in the tourism sector. They are taught to embrace the richness of local cultures, and to promote sustainable practices that safeguard the environment for future generations. Around 465 students and 34 teachers from 18 high schools that enroll in Travel and Tourism are pictured to be hosted in the competition.
At the heart of this extraordinary competition lies a travel and tourism syllabus, a tool designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic world of tourism. The syllabus serves as the foundation upon which students can build their understanding of the workings of the industry, learn the ropes of tour planning, and explore the hints of marketing, among other essential facets.
The Tour Operator from More Tours and Travel Pty Ltd, Mrs. Mabohlokoa Hlapho, concluded with a passion for life and a desire for travel and tourism, reveals the surplus of opportunities that await the ambitious and adventurous in the ever-expanding world of tourism.
The beauty of tourism is that it offers a display of possibilities for those with the right mix of vision, hard work, and a spirit of adventure. She says from tour operators, travel agencies, and event planners to accommodation providers, transport services, and local guides, the field is brimming with potential.
As the students delve deeper into the syllabus, they discover that managing cultural and natural attractions is alike to tending a garden of wonders. The students learn how to balance the delicate ecosystem of tourism, maintaining the beauty and authenticity of these gems without losing sight of their precious appeal to both local and international visitors.
However, Travel and Tourism education was first planted in Lesotho in 2014, a time when the potential of the industry was just beginning to be recognized and nurtured. The pilot program marked the first steps on a journey towards a more vibrant tourism sector, one that would not only enrich the country’s economy but also bring its breathtaking beauty and cultural riches to the forefront of the global stage.
In these humble beginnings, the seeds of transformation were sown, and the program has since blossomed into a thriving escape of opportunity, offering students the chance to explore the vast array of possibilities within the travel and tourism landscape.
Five years after its inception, the Travel and Tourism program in Lesotho has experienced a verdant surge in popularity and participation. From a mere 18 schools registered in 2018, the number of institutions offering the course has nearly doubled, with 35 schools now embracing the potential of this rapidly expanding field.
This growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the (LTDC), (LUCT), and other key stakeholders, who have carefully cultivated the program into a flourishing tree of knowledge, bearing the fruits of career opportunities and economic prosperity.
The travel and tourism competition, with its vibrant student participation and engagement, has emerged as a shining star in Lesotho’s annual tourism month celebrations. Aligned with the theme of “Tourism and Peace,” the competition serves as a testament to the transformative power of tourism, not just as an economic driver, but as a vehicle for promoting peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
As students showcase their knowledge, creativity, and passion for the tourism industry, they also contribute to the greater narrative of unity and harmony in a world where differences are often used to sow seeds of discord and conflict.
The competition provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in a lively exchange of ideas with seasoned industry professionals. This networking session, which serves as a fertile ground for personal and professional growth, allows students to soak up the expertise of leaders who have carved their own paths in the tourism sector, harvesting valuable insights, practical knowledge, and a clearer understanding of the career opportunities that await them.
Like a nourishing rain after a long drought, these interactions nourish the students’ ambitions, enriching their skills and helping them to chart their own journeys in the dynamic world of tourism.