Tourism Policy Planning and Development in EAC

Brief description of aims and content

To help students know how tourism policies and planning is developed, implemented and evaluated.

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course unit the learners should be able to:-

 i) Explain how tourism planning and development interrelate

ii) Describe the institutional arrangements for tourism policy and of government and industry roles and responsibilities in contemporary tourism planning and policy making

iii) Identify and critically explain the values and interests of stakeholders in tourism policy-making and planning.

iv) Critically evaluate tourism policies and plans

v) Be able to work in groups, recognize problems and be able to resolve them

Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

i. Identify different approaches used in developing a tourism policy

ii. Use the knowledge gained in explaining basic procedures in coming up with a tourism policy

Communication/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

iii. Demonstrate skills on formulating tourism policy at national and regional levels.

v. Demonstrate ability to identify weak tourism policies as well as revising of these policies to suit both national and regional tourism development goals

General transferable skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

v. Use knowledge gained to develop an applicable tourism policy for any given destination


HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM LAW

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM LAW

Course Overview

Hospitality and Tourism Law is a specialized course that introduces students to the legal frameworks, regulations, and policies governing the hospitality and tourism industry. The course explores how laws regulate hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tour operations, airlines, and tourism services to ensure safety, fairness, quality service, and ethical business practices.

Students study key areas such as contracts, liability, consumer protection, licensing, employment law, health and safety regulations, environmental laws, insurance, dispute resolution, and international tourism regulations. The course also examines the responsibilities of hospitality operators and tourists within legal systems at national and international levels.

Emphasis is placed on understanding legal compliance, risk management, and ethical practices in hospitality and tourism operations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand the legal framework governing hospitality and tourism industries.
  2. Identify laws regulating hotels, restaurants, and travel services.
  3. Apply principles of contracts and liability in hospitality operations.
  4. Understand consumer protection laws in tourism services.
  5. Explain licensing and regulatory requirements in tourism businesses.
  6. Analyze health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  7. Understand employment laws in hospitality organizations.
  8. Identify legal risks and dispute resolution methods.
  9. Apply ethical and legal standards in tourism operations.
  10. Evaluate international tourism laws and conventions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the legal environment of the hospitality and tourism industry.
  2. Interpret contracts used in tourism and hospitality businesses.
  3. Apply consumer protection principles in service delivery.
  4. Identify legal responsibilities of tourism operators and clients.
  5. Analyze case studies involving hospitality law violations.
  6. Understand licensing and compliance requirements.
  7. Apply health and safety regulations in hospitality settings.
  8. Recognize legal issues in employment and labor relations.
  9. Evaluate risk management strategies in tourism law.
  10. Demonstrate professional legal awareness in hospitality operations.

Course Code:
Course Credits
Lecturer: Tharcisse Niyonzima

Tourism Operating and Management OK

TOURISM OPERATING AND MANAGEMENT

Course Overview

Tourism Operating and Management is a practical and managerial course that introduces students to the principles, systems, and practices involved in planning, organizing, operating, and managing tourism services and businesses. The course focuses on how tourism organizations such as travel agencies, tour companies, destination management organizations, airlines, and hospitality partners operate within the tourism industry.

Students learn how to design and manage tourism products, coordinate travel services, handle customers, manage itineraries, and ensure quality service delivery. The course also covers tourism marketing, sustainable tourism practices, budgeting, operations planning, and customer relationship management.

Emphasis is placed on operational efficiency, service quality, sustainability, and professionalism in the tourism industry.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand the structure and operations of the tourism industry.
  2. Identify different tourism organizations and their functions.
  3. Plan and manage tourism products and services.
  4. Develop tour itineraries and travel packages.
  5. Apply customer service principles in tourism operations.
  6. Understand tourism marketing and promotion strategies.
  7. Manage tourism business operations efficiently.
  8. Apply principles of sustainable tourism development.
  9. Prepare basic budgets for tourism activities.
  10. Coordinate tourism logistics and service delivery.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the operations of tourism organizations and stakeholders.
  2. Design and manage tourism packages and itineraries.
  3. Apply customer care skills in tourism service delivery.
  4. Develop basic tourism marketing strategies.
  5. Coordinate transport, accommodation, and tour logistics.
  6. Demonstrate understanding of sustainable tourism practices.
  7. Solve operational challenges in tourism management.
  8. Prepare simple operational and financial plans.
  9. Evaluate tourism service quality and customer satisfaction.
  10. Present professional tourism management proposals.
Course Code: TOPM
Course Credits: 8
Lecturer:

Hospitality and Customer care

Course Description: Hospitality and Customer Care

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of delivering exceptional customer service within the hospitality and tourism industry. It emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining strong customer relationships, creating positive first impressions, and developing customer loyalty through effective communication, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Students will explore key topics such as customer relationship management (CRM), moments of truth, service quality standards, customer satisfaction strategies, and techniques for handling diverse customer types. The course also covers relationship marketing, loyalty programs, and customer retention strategies essential for long-term business success.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain the skills to understand customer needs, manage service encounters, resolve complaints effectively, and foster lasting relationships that enhance organizational reputation and profitability.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Establish and maintain trust-based relationships with customers.

  2. Apply techniques to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  3. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in customer interactions.

  4. Identify and effectively manage moments of truth in service delivery.

  5. Utilize customer relationship management strategies to retain and grow clientele.

  6. Handle various customer types with empathy, confidence, and cultural awareness.


FRONT OFFICE OPERATIONS II

FRONT OFFICE OPERATIONS II

Course Overview

Front Office Operations II is an intermediate hospitality course designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in managing front office departments in hotels and tourism establishments. The course focuses on guest service excellence, reservation management, Property Management Systems (PMS), revenue control, night auditing, and supervisory responsibilities. It prepares students to handle real hotel front desk operations efficiently and professionally.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Apply advanced front office procedures in hotel operations.
  2. Manage reservations using both manual and computerized systems.
  3. Deliver high-quality guest service and communication.
  4. Handle guest complaints and resolve service issues professionally.
  5. Perform night audit and front office reporting tasks.
  6. Understand revenue management principles in hospitality.
  7. Develop supervisory and leadership skills in front office management.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Operate front office systems (PMS) effectively.
  2. Conduct check-in and check-out procedures accurately.
  3. Manage room status, availability, and reservations.
  4. Respond to guest requests and complaints professionally.
  5. Prepare front office reports such as occupancy and revenue summaries.
  6. Demonstrate strong communication and customer care skills.
  7. Supervise front desk operations and coordinate staff activities.

Tourism planning, Policy and Development in EAC

This course provides an in-depth exploration of tourism planning, policy formulation, and sustainable development strategies within the context of the East African Community (EAC). It examines the critical role of tourism in regional integration, economic growth, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation across EAC member states—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Students will engage with key concepts and frameworks of tourism planning and policy, analyze regional and national tourism strategies, and assess the impact of political, economic, social, and environmental factors on tourism development in the region. The course emphasizes sustainable and inclusive tourism models, community-based tourism, public-private partnerships, and cross-border collaboration.

Through case studies, fieldwork, and policy reviews, learners will gain practical skills in designing tourism development plans, evaluating tourism policies, and proposing strategies for improving regional competitiveness and resilience in the face of global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical shifts.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the principles and processes of tourism planning and policy-making within the EAC.

  2. Critically analyze the tourism development strategies of individual EAC countries.

  3. Evaluate the role of regional integration and EAC protocols in shaping tourism policy and cooperation.

  4. Assess the social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of tourism in East Africa.

  5. Propose sustainable and inclusive tourism initiatives tailored to regional contexts.

  6. Apply strategic planning tools to address challenges and opportunities in the East African tourism sector.


HOUSEKEEPING ACCOMMODATION

The Housekeeping Accommodation course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices involved in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and order in hospitality establishments. It covers key topics such as cleaning techniques, room preparation, laundry operations, safety and sanitation standards, guestroom inspections, and effective use of cleaning equipment and supplies. The course also emphasizes the importance of time management, attention to detail, and customer service in ensuring a high standard of accommodation. By the end, learners are equipped with the practical skills and professional knowledge required to work efficiently in housekeeping roles within hotels, resorts, and other lodging facilities.

Objectives: 

  • To understand the role and responsibilities of housekeeping in the hospitality industry.

  • To develop practical skills in cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining guest rooms and public areas.

  • To learn the proper use and maintenance of housekeeping tools, equipment, and chemicals.

  • To promote safety, hygiene, and environmentally responsible practices.

  • To enhance customer service skills and understand guest expectations.

  • To prepare students for employment in the housekeeping department of hotels and other accommodation facilities.


Learning Outcomes: 

  • Describe the functions and organizational structure of the housekeeping department.

  • Demonstrate effective cleaning techniques for rooms, bathrooms, and public areas.

  • Operate and maintain housekeeping equipment and handle cleaning chemicals safely.

  • Follow proper procedures for linen handling and laundry operations.

  • Conduct room inspections to ensure standards of cleanliness and readiness.

  • Apply occupational health and safety standards in daily housekeeping tasks.

  • Deliver courteous and professional service to guests, addressing their needs promptly and effectively.

Academic Year 2024-2025
Lecturer: Ms. Immaculate

HOSPITAL AND TOURISM LAW

Hospitality and Tourism Law 

refers to the legal regulations and principles that govern businesses in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. It ensures compliance with safety, consumer rights, contracts, employment laws, and liability issues.

Key Areas of Hospitality and Tourism Law:

  1. Contract Law – Governs agreements between hotels, travel agencies, airlines, and customers, ensuring fair business practices.
  2. Liability & Negligence – Establishes responsibility for guest safety, accidents, and property damage within hospitality businesses.
  3. Consumer Protection – Ensures fair treatment of tourists, including refunds, cancellations, and misleading advertisements.
  4. Employment Law – Regulates workplace rights, wages, discrimination, and working conditions in the hospitality sector.
  5. Health & Safety Regulations – Covers hygiene standards, fire safety, and emergency procedures in hotels, restaurants, and travel services.
  6. Licensing & Permits – Ensures legal operation through permits for alcohol sales, food handling, and business registration.
  7. International Travel & Tourism Laws – Includes visa policies, airline regulations, and international agreements affecting global tourism. 

Syllabus Structure

  1. Topic 1: Basic notions of law and Sources of Hospitality and Tourism Law
  2. Topic 2: Obligations of Hospitality and Tourism service providers
  3. Topic 3: Law and Tourists, Tourists Attractions (+nature conservation) and neighboring Communities 
  4. Topic 4: International aspects of Hospitality and Tourism law
  5. Topic 5: Hospitality and Tourism Contracts
  6. Topic 6: Hospitality and Tourism Torts
  7. Topic 7: Hospitality and Tourism Offences/Crimes
  8. Topic 8: Hospitality and Tourism Disputes Resolutions

Academic year 2024-2025

Lecturer: MUDAHERANWA Jackson

BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

This course introduces students to the essential concepts of biodiversity and the pressing issue of environmental pollution. It explores the variety and interdependence of life forms on Earth while critically examining the human-induced pollutants that threaten ecosystems. Students will learn about the value of biodiversity, causes and types of pollution (air, water, soil, noise, plastic, etc.), and their direct and indirect effects on flora, fauna, and ecological balance. The course emphasizes environmental ethics, sustainable practices, and global and local solutions to pollution and biodiversity loss. It prepares learners to think critically and act responsibly toward the environment.

Objectives: 

  • Understand the importance and types of biodiversity (genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity).
  • Recognize the different forms and sources of environmental pollution.
  • Explore the interrelationship between pollution and the decline in biodiversity.
  • Study the ecological and human consequences of environmental degradation.
  • Learn about conservation strategies and pollution control methods.
  • Understand international and local laws and policies that protect biodiversity.
  • Develop skills to propose sustainable and practical solutions to environmental problems.


Learning Outcomes: 

  • Define biodiversity and explain its importance to ecosystems and human well-being.
  • Identify types and sources of pollution and assess their environmental impacts.
  • Analyze how pollution contributes to the loss of biodiversity.
  • Discuss conservation tools such as protected areas, reforestation, and endangered species protection.
  • Apply knowledge of environmental laws and sustainable development principles.
  • Evaluate case studies of polluted ecosystems and suggest remedial actions.
  • Promote environmental stewardship through awareness, behavior change, and advocacy.


Course Code: BLTH 3508

Credits: 10

Academic Year 2024-2025

Lecturer: Theogene TWIZERIMANA