The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has signed a MOU with HR College of Commerce & Economics in Mumbai introducing a degree course, Bachelor of Vocation (B. VOC) in Tourism & Hospitality Management.
In one of the first in the country, Mumbai University has approved a 3 year degree course (12+3) which shall be conducted by HR College.
The MOU was signed on Thursday during the Orientation ceremony at HR college; byMr. Jay Bhatia, Tourism Council Chairman who shall also be an Advisory Board Member with college& Dr. Indu Shahani, Principal, HR College
Dr. Shahani – Principal HR College and her team including Prof Ameya Ambulkar who is heading this course is very keen and looking forward to assistance from TAAI. Currently over 50 students have registered for this 3 year degree program.
Mr. Jay Bhatia states “TAAI and HR college shall be working jointly in a first Industry – Academia joint collaboration for enhancing skills in the industry through a degree programme.
We assisted the HR team in developing the curriculum which was subsequently approved by Mumbai University, making it more industry relevant.”
TAAI suggested that this course be more Trade / Industry Oriented so that it can generate trade skills and competence in the learners.
They shall also assist the students of HR in sourcing internships and final placements through its over 2500 members pan India. Not only in agencies but in airlines, hotels, GDS companies, airports etc.
Senior and experienced members of India’s premier and nodal association shall also be regularly visiting HR college as guest lecturers.
Student of this course shall also be invited to TAAI events and workshops so that they get realistic view rather than only theoretical knowledge.
Industrial visits to hotels, tourist attractions, offices of tour operators, airlines, airports, consulates etc. shall be organised to understand the day to day operations of the industry as a whole. Members shall source live project works to these students enhancing their skills in managements as well.
Principal Dr. Shahani said,“The age of Management in Retail, Hospitality and Tourism is here.We are happy and proud to proceed with these courses and our goal has always been to design an education that helps students to meet the challenges and opportunities that await them in the world a citizens and as leaders. Carrier related course are more relevant and are the need for today.”
Prof Ameya Ambulkar, Co-ordinator of the Core Faculty who was instrumental in pursuing this initiative along with his team said “We are extremely confident that TAAI’s efforts in assisting us with internship and placement of the students will bring forth top -notch performances from them making them thorough tourism professional !”
Added Mr Bhatia, “the best part of this course is that it is a credit based semester with an exit option for the students which is approved by the UGC & the govt.”
So a student desirous of leaving the course at the end of each year, students will be awarded with a Diploma recognising their efforts, after the second year, an Advancedl Diploma and on completion of three years, students will be given a Degree titled B. Voc (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
