Maldives National University has announced plans to introduce the country’s first ever PhD programme in hospitality and tourism.

In a statement issued last week by the university’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies to mark its 30^th anniversary, the faculty noted the milestones achieved in educating and training professionals for the Maldives’ tourism industry through its Certificate III to postgraduate programmes. Preparations are being made to introduce a doctorate programme, it added.

Established in 1987, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies is the leading institute for tourism and hospitality education in the Maldives, and has played a significant role in building human capacity for the tourism sector. Courses currently offered by the faculty include:

• Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Hospitality Management (Culinary Arts and Food Services)
• Bachelor of International Tourism Management
• Bachelor of international Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Tourism Management
• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Advanced Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Studies
• Certificate 3 in Housekeeping Operations
• Certificate 3 in Front Office Operations
• Certificate 3 in Food and Beverage Operations
• Certificate 3 in Pattiserie
• Certificate 3 in Culinary Arts

The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, which enlists more than 500 students, recently relocated to a brand new, purpose-specific building which is equipped with state-of-the-art training kitchens, practical restaurants, demo rooms, modern classrooms and other facilities. Lectures are conducted by academically proficient and industry experienced experts.

The Maldives’ tourism industry has greatly expanded over the past 40 years, becoming the country’s main economic activity and the biggest employer.

Over the past three years, dozens of uninhabited islands have also been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to 120. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts by the end of this year.

Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 300 guesthouses in operation today.

With the expansion comes the need to train locals for a range of new jobs that are expected to open up.