HONG KONG Polytechnic University (PolyU) has modified its range of specialist courses to reflect evolving needs in the sector as Asia moves to the forefront of the world's hospitality and tourism industry.
There are two distinct BSc programmes - one in hotel management and the other in tourism management, and both provide comprehensive training in each area. This move demonstrates the university's aim of being a global leader in high-quality education, research and scholarship in the hospitality and tourism field. Each course lasts three years and includes modules geared to business requirements.
'The industry needs students with an international outlook, good communication skills, positive attitudes and strong service orientation,' said Tony Tse, programme director for industry partnerships at PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management.
The hotel management programme allows students to focus on one of the three key areas - hotel and lodging, food service and conventions and exhibitions. The tourism course combines theory, practical skills and aspects of customer service, enabling graduates to slot in to a variety of professional roles. Students can choose to specialise in aviation services, theme parks and attractions, or convention and exhibition management.
Subjects cover the general business environment, principles of food service, tourism economics and hotel planning and design. The specialist courses cover resort and spa hotels, wine, cruise services, airline management and casinos and gaming.
Students in either programme must successfully complete 10-week placements as interns at two different companies. Alternatively, they have the option of doing a 48-week placement after their second year, thus taking four years to complete the full course.