Imperial Institute of Hospitality and Leisure offers qualifications from the Institute of Hospitality UK
Sri-Lanka has been designated as one of the top tourist destinations, and certainly with the atmosphere of peace and tranquility Sri-Lanka has experienced a significant growth in the hospitality industry. This also calls for an increased demand for hoteliers with international qualifications. It has been identified that Sri-Lanka’s hospitality and leisure sector is a key area in need of professionally qualified industry experts. Thus the top priority of the industry at current is to provide international training expertise with globally recognised professional qualifications for middle and senior level managerial staff.
The Imperial Institute of Hospitality and Leisure (IIHL) in partnership with the Institute of Hospitality UK, introduces Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas that will cater to individuals with a desire to be a part of the hospitality and leisure industry of Sri-Lanka. IIHL is an entity of the recognised education institute, Imperial Institute of Higher Education ( IIHE) which offers Bachelor’s and Post-graduate qualifications in partnership with the University of Wales, UK.
All executives with the necessary qualifications will be able, for the first time in SriLanka, to obtain the Institute of Hospitality UK qualifications right here in Sri-Lanka. The Sri-Lanka Chapter of the Institute of Hospitality will work closely with IIHL in delivering the study courses.
“This is an industry first for Sri Lanka, where the hospitality and leisure sector continues to attract a considerable amount of talent” said Mr Roshan Perera, , Chairman of Institute of Hospitality - Sri Lankan Chapter, “For us, this is an opportunity to be a catalyst for professional development of industry personnel”. Mr. Roshan Perera further added “Sri Lankan hoteliers, from the bottom to the top, are extremely talented and committed to uplifting the industry. With this opportunity, they will be able to acquire a world class qualification that will enhance and increase their potential as sector professionals worldwide”.
The Institute of Hospitality is widely acclaimed as a leading professional body with diploma awarding status in the United Kingdom. The Institute of Hospitality has received much recognition worldwide as a result of it’s professional status and commitment towards the industry development, with a very strong presence in the Middle-East, Caribbean, HongKong, and China.
Mr Eraj Abeywardena, a veteran hotelier and Executive Committee Member of the Institute of Hospitality - Sri Lanka Chapter and is in charge of academic and practical training as Director of Studies at IIHL, says that the Institute of Hospitality UK study courses cover a wide range of topics relevant for today’s hoteliers “From Business Management to Finance and Business Planning, HR Management, Marketing & Sales, Consumer Management to Professional Development, the courses delivered here take into account the changing needs of a dynamic industry.” He says.
The courses are designed to be delivered in a flexible manner taking into account the hectic schedules of hotel executives. Candidates are able to take the exams on line and evaluations are also conducted online in real-time.
IIHL plans to offer a complete range of professional qualifications for the hospitality and leisure sector, revealed Mr Harshana Perera – Chief Executive Officer of IIHL. Craft courses in culinary operations, Food & Beverage service operations, accommodation operations and hotel operations, endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality UK ,are some of the programmes that will be offered in the near future. IIHL will also have the facility of a state-of-the-art induction kitchen that will add value to the craft courses offered.
IIHL, being a part of an established educational institution, understands the industry specific needs and plans to deliver the courses to the students located in hotels outside the city as well. “The hospitality industry is one that is constantly on its feet – we will be taking the courses to the students, which is an innovative approach that gives them the ability to obtain these prestigious qualifications without any disturbance to their work schedules and without the hassle of travelling to Colombo.” Mr Perera adds.
The cream of Sri- Lanka’s hospitality experts is represented in the Sri- Lanka chapter of the Institute of Hospitality, and they have worked very closely in ensuring success of the industry in the past.
The ceremonial launch of IIHL took place on the 28th of June 2012, with the CEO of Institute of Hospitality Mr. Philippe Rossiter attending the event as the guest of honour. The launch took place at Water’s Edge, following the annual general meeting of the Sri-Lanka chapter of the Institute of Hospitality.