JINJA – Veteran chef Johan Spape has urged actors in the hospitality industry to avoid competing among themselves but instead work together for the benefit of the industry.
The hospitality professional whose experience in the kitchen, restaurant and hospitality training spans over three decades is on a two-week sojourn at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) to share his vast hospitality experience and ideas with staff and students courtesy of PUM, a Netherlands funded program that aims at transforming communities.
“It is not a wise idea to compete with other hotels. The industry will reap better dividends if unity and team work are prioritized,” Spape said.
He commended the government of Uganda for prioritizing the hospitality sector through putting in place the necessary infrastructure, including a three-star training hotel and modern institute.
“The Ugandan government is already aware of the importance of hospitality education. At UHTTI for example, you have virtually all the equipment that a modern hotel has. I have also been to Gulu and Lira hotel schools and I can confidently say that significant investment is being directed towards training the hospitality workforce in Uganda,” Spape said.
He said that with the modern training facilities, UHTTI can easily partner with global partners, especially through staff and students exchange as well as research.
Spape also hailed government for promoting Uganda as a favourable tourism destination unlike before when the country was only known for Idi Amin Dada and the famous raid on Entebbe.
“The world now knows Uganda as a place where you can find mountain gorillas. This is a positive development,” he said.
Spape, however, cautioned government to relax visa requirements for visitors and tourists coming to Uganda.
“The government should make it easier for tourists visiting Uganda. I had to sign about six different documents and this is hectic. Government ought to explore digital possibilities to make it easier for tourists to process travel requirements,” he said.
Spape also urged the hospitality industry actors to ensure standards by recruiting qualifies staff and maintaining hygiene.
“Hospitality is not only about being kind to people. Quality is very important and remember the higher the quality, the higher the price,” he said, adding that in The Netherlands, a Diploma is a prerequisite for recruitment into the hospitality sector.
The institute Deputy Principal, Mr Moses Kaneene, welcomed Spape to Uganda and UHTTI, saying his vast experience in the hospitality sector will help advance the institute’s vision of becoming a centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism training.
Who is Johan Spape
Spape is PUM Netherlands senior expert with over three decades experience in restaurant management and kitchen practice. He has also excelled as a hospitality trainer and consultant and has traversed the globe sharing knowledge and experience in hospitality management and training.
