TaTU Dept of Hospitality, Tourism holds 16th exhibition
The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) at Tamale Technical University (TaTU) has held its 16th annual exhibition and practical project showcase.
The event, held over the weekend on the theme, ‘Greening the Future: Sustainable Innovations in Hospitality and Tourism,’ aimed to highlight the potential of the graduates to industry stakeholders and the broader community.
The exhibition featured a range of products created by final-year students, including pastries, canned-goods, soft drinks, cooked foods, grains, and other items.
It brought together various university departments, university management and industry stakeholders to evaluate the students’ potential and discuss the need for collective responsibility in fostering sustainable practices within the industry.
The Head of the Department of Ecotourism and Hospitality at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Dr Conrad Wuleka Kuuder, praised the department for its efforts in preparing students for a sustainable future.
He said it was important to promote green-building practices, such as using recycled materials, optimising energy efficiency, and incorporating natural lighting and ventilation in eco-friendly hotel construction.
He also indicated that many tour operators were investing in electric vehicles, like bike rentals, and shuttle services to encourage eco-friendly travel.
Dr Kuuder further noted that sustainable innovations included fostering connections with local communities and tour operators to offer cultural exchange programmes in order to ensure that tourism benefits the local population.
Moreover, he stressed the importance of using biodegradable and recyclable materials to combat plastic waste and support a sustainable food system aligned with both local and global environmental needs.
“As students, you are in the right institution and department where practical training is a core component of your education. With the skills you acquire here, there is no reason to be jobless upon graduation,” he noted.
Prof. Bawah Yussif Adam, Dean of Applied Arts, who represented TaTU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bashiru Ibn Moro Saeed, noted that the hospitality and tourism industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sector globally.
Noting that in Ghana, it significantly contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he also said training students in this field required significant investment in modern facilities, up-to-date technology, industry-standard equipment, and experienced faculty.
The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Prof. Abdul-Aziz Ibn Musah, stated that embracing sustainable practices could reduce the ecological footprint, support local communities, and promote a more inclusive and resilient industry.
He said the department had been producing quality graduates, but it faces infrastructure challenges and require support to acquire modern equipment to enhance its training programmes.
The Head of the HTM Department, Dr Abdul-Rahaman Haadi,stated that sustainability was not just a trend but a necessity.
He further noted that the hospitality and tourism sector was uniquely positioned to lead in promoting sustainable practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
By adopting innovative solutions, he said, the sector could enhance guest experiences while preserving the natural and cultural resources that made destinations unique.
Dr Haadi called for collaborations to discuss, share insights, and explore opportunities for sustainable development.
