PATA endorses University of Fiji tourism studies program

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has endorsed the University of Fiji’s Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Studies.

PATA – founded in 1951 – is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.

University of Fiji head of the management department Dr Navneel Prasad acknowledged the endorsement saying this was the first regional endorsement for the program.

“This endorsement signifies the quality and standard of the tourism studies program and aligns with the strategic direction of the university to achieve regional and international endorsements and accreditations,” Dr Prasad said.

He said for tourism studies students, this endorsement indicated the unparalleled standard of the program that the university offered, as well as opportunities such as scholarships, sponsorship, mentorship, network-building, participation in workshops and speaking opportunities at PATA events.

“This endorsement is also timely in the sense that it will add confidence for current and prospective students to tourism as a field of study, which was otherwise dampened by the impact of COVID-19 on the industry,” he added.

In the endorsement letter, PATA chief executive officer Dr Mario Hardy said: “PATA recognises the importance of investing in education and endorsing the University of Fiji’s program is well in line with our commitment to human capital development.”

“It pleases me to see the development of such an interdisciplinary program that focuses on sustainability.”

The Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Studies program kicked off in January 2020 with its first cohort of students.

Students who have passed their Year 13 examination or equivalent with 200 marks and a minimum of 50 per cent in English are eligible to apply for the program.

PATA provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as over 4000 young tourism professional members across the world.

Source : Fiji Times 12th May 2021