In observance of World Tourism Day, Injibara University’s Department of Tourism and Hotel Management successfully hosted the First Tourism and Hospitality Conference under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
Opening the event, Dr. Gardachew Worku, President of Injibara University, stated that Hotel Management was among the University’s founding academic programs and reaffirmed the institution’s strong commitment to tourism development and innovation. He emphasized that Injibara and its surroundings possess rich historical, cultural, and natural resources including proximity to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the diverse heritages of the Awi community making tourism a key focus area for the University.
Dr. Aemero Tadese, Vice President for Academic Affairs, commended the Department for organizing a research-driven forum and encouraged similar initiatives across other programs.
Dr. Yilkal Andualem, Dean of the College of Business and Economics, noted that the Department has begun forming partnerships with local and international institutions and reported that all its graduates have successfully passed exit exams and secured employment in leading hotels and tourism organizations.
During the conference, three scholarly papers were presented on topics related to curriculum integration, the impact of internal conflict on tourism, and stakeholder collaboration.
At the conclusion, Injibara University signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Awi Zone Culture and Tourism Office and Karnid International Hotel and Spa to enhance joint training, research, and community engagement.
The conference brought together University leaders, government representatives, tourism professionals, hotel owners, and students, marking a significant step toward advancing tourism education and sustainable development in northwestern Ethiopia.
October 24, 2018 E.C.
Injibara University, Ethiopia
