Academics

Academics

The Kenya utalii college Mombasa campus focuses on the provisions of the following academics:

•       Hotel management
•     Travel and Tourism Management
•    Travel Operations
•    Tour guiding and administration
•    Front office
•    Food production
•    Food and Beverage Services
•     House Keeping and Laundry

Hotel Management

The academics with hotel management focuses on the core aspects of hospitality with a mix of management subjects which is required for the growth of a student. Hotel management has a mélange of practical subjects and theory subjects. Industry interface is a key aspect of the course, where professionals from hotels like the utalii hotel handle various sessions with the students.

Details of a Hotel Manager

A hotel manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a hotel and its staff. They have commercial accountability for budgeting and financial management, planning, organizing and directing all hotel services, including front-of-house (reception, concierge, and reservations), food and beverage operations, and housekeeping. In larger hotels, managers often have a specific remit (guest services, accounting, and marketing) and make up a general management team.

Travel and Tourism Management

A travel and tourism course offers vocational training for the industry and helps you develop strong business management and communication skills, broadening your job prospects. The following are the competencies a student will gain after studying this course:

·         Tour guiding

·         Travel agency practice

·         Communication and language

·         Research methods

·         Event management

·         Business (marketing, human resource, management, enterprise development)

·         Management of travel related business

Travel Operations

This competency based program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions available in the large scope of the travel and tourism industry. Students entering the workforce will find opportunities in airline operations, ticketing and reservations, travel agencies, tourism planning and development, meeting and convention coordination, special events and tour itinerary planning.

Other aspects of your training includes: in travel related legislation, geography, international airfare construction, produce documents using a computer, destination knowledge, travel computer reservations, client relationships, first line management business writing skills, retail operations, identify and access travel products and cruising.

Tour guiding and administration

This course is intended for those individuals who are interested in obtaining extensive   knowledge related to the world of travel and tourism and obtaining a qualification to become licensed tour guides. It also focuses on the skills and competencies required by Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Hotel industry. The following are some of the areas which a student will get a deeper understanding:

·         Understand the role of the tour guide and manage the complex concepts of a well organized tour

·         Be creative in the design and management of historical tours

·         Evaluate and anticipate customer expectations during the implementation process of tour guiding

·         Understand and explain the detailed historical content of various itineraries and sites

·         Manage individuals, small, medium, and big tour groups and ensure safety and customer satisfaction at all times

·         Comprehend complex theories related to the study of travel and tourism

·         Transfer theoretical knowledge to design creative and innovative tourism related products and services

Front Office

The aim of the Front Office Operations is to introduce the students to the systems and procedures required for Front Office Operations. It emphasizes the importance of high standards in personal qualities and the provision of customer service. Students will develop knowledge and skills in reception procedures as well as understanding the key legislation that relates to reception procedures. They will also evaluate the suitability of different procedures for a range of hospitality outlets.

The course is mainly based on the procedures and methods for the successful operation of hotel front offices. Throughout the course, students can learn the techniques and skills they need in order to function efficiently in front office positions. The course entails the following areas: front office equipment, communication, dealing with the hotel guest, statistics and common operational problems of the front office (i.e. Overbooking, Late Charge, Lost Luggage, Skippers…), front office record keeping systems e.t.c.

Food Production

Food manufacture is one of the largest industries in world. If you study food production you will acquire a basic knowledge of the special factors associated with food processing and food quality assurance. The Food production course will benefit trainees who wish to make a career in the hospitality industry and who plan to work with hotels, restaurants and catering establishments initially as cooks and depending on experience, further training and hard work coupled with dedication, aspire to positions of higher responsibilities such as Chefs and eventually Executive Chef.

Food and Beverage Services

Food and beverage service is the “food flow” (from the purchasing of the foods to service to the customers) mainly concerned with the delivery and presentation of the food to the customer, after the completion of food production. Sometimes it involves transportation if there is a separation of production and other service facilities.

Food and beverage service also deals with banqueting food and beverage, supervision and purchasing.

House Keeping and Laundry

Much of a guest’s overall impression of the hotel relates to its cleanliness; therefore Housekeeping associates play a crucial role in ensuring an exceptional guest experience. The Housekeeping department is typically the largest in the hotel in terms of both the number of associates and annual operating budget.

Ideal Housekeeping and Laundry associates are extremely detail-oriented. They strive to provide guests with clean and comfortable accommodations while away from home. From fresh bed linens to spotless bathrooms and immaculate lobbies, our associates are committed to upholding Starwood’s quality and cleanliness standards at all times.

This course make a student understand the functions and roles of the housekeeping personnel; room decoration and maintenance.

This article was written and posted by Mr. Sudi Hassan Sudi