Venturing into ecotourism
travel and Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries. It contributes to the world’s largest foreign exchange earners, providing employment directly to millions of people.
It has enhanced and enriched lives by contributing to local economies.
In Malaysia, Travel and Tourism has been identified as a key industry that drives the growth of the hospitality and service sector.
according to Tourism Malaysia, in 2012, there was a total of 25.03 million tourists arriving in Malaysia, generating receipts of approximately rM60.6bil.
The School of Tourism at BerJaYa University College of Hospitality (BerJaYa UCH) strives to impart tourism education via quality education and training in tourism management using the unique “BerJaYa Immersion Methodology” of learning by doing.
It allows the students to learn experientially at real industrial or business environments.
This platform instils leadership skills, managerial knowledge and professionalism.
Using a combination of theoretical and practical training, students are groomed for long-term success and career progression within the industry.
In conjunction with visit Malaysia 2014, BerJaYa UCH School of Tourism has launched a new initiative – eco-adventure Tourism (eaT).
This green project values sustainable practice and initiates a variety of outdoor adventures and activities to nurture an appreciation for nature. It aims to cultivate deeper understanding of environmental-friendly practices among the young.
School of Tourism head Kit Thong expressed that “eaT aims to make eco-adventure the preferred choice of leisure activity among youths, in a continuous effort to promote a healthy lifestyle.”
In the past, ecotourism was considered a critical effort by environmentalists so that future generations may experience destinations relatively free from human interference.
Today, with the rapid development in our country, rapid urbanisation within and around the globe, there is urgency to sustain the natural environment followed by incremental awareness in ecotourism.
BerJaYa UCH hopes to educate the younger generation on the importance of conservation and preservation of the environment, to respect and not take for granted what is readily available.
Through this outreach project, students will learn to create opportunities for their peers to enjoy eco-friendly recreation activities.
They will also be engaging with the youth community to inspire a change in leisure activity towards healthier living.
The school has planned an exciting line-up of eco-friendly adventures throughout the year – activities include outdoor retreats, kite-flying and dining with organic cuisine.
The School of Tourism warmly welcomes all interested parties to join in its green crusade for an eco-healthy lifestyle.
BerJaYa University College of Hospitality (BerJaYa UCH) is arguably Malaysia’s premier university college in the fields of tourism, event management, hospitality and culinary arts.
Foundation to postgraduate programmes are offered under six schools, which are School of Tourism, School of Culinary arts, School of Hospitality, School of Business, School of liberal arts and School of Sports, leisure and lifestyle.
The School of Tourism offers Bachelor of Tourism Management (Hons), Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management, Bachelor of events Management (Hons) and Diploma in event Management.
For more information on BerJaYa UCH, log on to www.berjaya.edu.my