Local hoteliers celebrate diploma success

30/09/2011

The successful graduates of the IOH Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management

A high profile event at Central Sussex College marked the graduation of eight aspiring hotel managers, the first group to complete a new diploma at Central Sussex College.

The Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management has been designed by the Institute of Hospitality for aspiring hotel managers, after CEO of Arora Hotels John Donaldson approached Central Sussex College to develop management training specifically for the hospitality and tourism industry.

Hotel chain founder Surinder Arora joined representatives from the local hospitality industry in congratulating the students who had all completed the diploma while working at four of the region's top hotels.

Mr Arora, whose hotel chain employs 1,500 people, is a strong advocate of further education, having been denied the opportunities to gain vocational qualifications himself at a young age. From arriving in the UK aged 13 unable to read, he has built his organisation from scratch and now runs seven award-winning hotels. The entrepreneur gave an inspirational speech which highlighted the importance of working hard and having access to the right training: "Everyone has to start somewhere, and those who are passionate, committed and work hard can climb the ladder to get to where they want to go. Many congratulations - the sky is the limit!"

The qualification has been such a success that the Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management is starting this autumn, as part of the College's higher education offer based within its new university centre.

Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality Philippe Rossiter, who also attended the event, spoke about the significance of the new qualifications, particularly in the run-up to London 2012 and with the projected growth of the tourism industry in the UK. He said: "These qualifications are helping to address the shortage of leadership and management skills across the hospitality sector."

The evening was catered by VRQ Level 1 Professional Cookery students who served guests with sparkling wine and mouth watering canapés.