Experts from SHTM supporting international tourism in the Global South
Academics from the University of Surrey’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management will be providing their expertise to support the growth of international tourism in the Republic of Sierra Leone.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Vice-Chancellor and President of the University Max Lu and Minister Hon. Memunatu B. Pratt from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) during a recent visit to campus.
As part of the visit minister Dr Pratt delivered a public lecture to staff and students entitled, “Tourism Development in Sierra Leone in Times of Recovery”.
Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Head of SHTM, said: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone will enable us to expand the reach of our research and education activities in the Global South. We are thrilled to work together with the Ministry to elevate the tourism profile of the region.”
The agreement will see collaboration in executive training, education, and research especially in the areas of digital and women’s entrepreneurship and will support the implementation of Sierra Leone Tourism Capacity Building Strategic Action Plan, supported by the World Bank.
The partnership also offers SHTM a new opportunity to extend the engagement with and contribution to the international tourism community, especially in Global South.
Key activities proposed include:
- Collaboration in training provision for MTCA and National Tourism Board personnel in Sierra Leone, aiming to build the capacity of public sector leaders and managers and address their training needs
- Collaboration in training provision for tourism, hospitality, and events professionals in Sierra Leone
- Collaboration in training provision for tourism, hospitality and events educators and curriculum development in Sierra Leone
- Research collaboration including joint research projects, especially in the areas of digital transformation and women entrepreneurship
This partnership development is based on the initial collaboration of Dr Albert Kimbu with the MTCA in Sierra Leone. Dr Kimbu was invited as a speaker at the First Freetown Forum on Women’s Entrepreneurship in Tourism in 2019, organised by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone.
