UNESCO

CiMSO Celebrated by UNESCO for Empowering Hospitality Education through Digitisation

17th September 2024
Thomas Davidson

We are proud to announce that CiMSO Business Solutions has been celebrated in a recent publication by UNESCO’s Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) initiative! Our long-standing efforts to support hospitality education and training have been spotlighted for their innovative approach to closing the digital skills gap in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Leading the Digital Revolution in Hospitality Training

Since 2016, CiMSO has been at the forefront of digital transformation within the hospitality sector across Africa and Asia. As technology continues to revolutionize industries, the demand for digitally skilled professionals in hospitality has never been higher. Our “Digitization Readiness in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry” initiative addresses this need by offering our state-of-the-art software free of charge to government-accredited training institutions, including universities, colleges, and TVET centres.

By integrating our management software into their curricula, these institutions give students hands-on training in digital tools, ensuring they graduate with the practical expertise required to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Recognized by UNESCO for Innovation and Impact

Our initiative was designed to tackle three major challenges:

  1. Growing Reliance on Digital Services: The hospitality industry is increasingly dependent on digital solutions for everything from reservations to stock management. CiMSO’s software equips students with the skills to navigate these complex systems confidently.
  2. Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice: Many graduates struggle with applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Our software enables students to gain hands-on experience, preparing them for the dynamic realities of the workplace.
  3. Empowering Remote Communities: In many remote areas, access to training and digital tools is limited. Through our initiative, institutions like the African Hospitality and Tourism School in Namibia and the Bulembu Orphanage in Eswatini are now equipped with the tools to provide cutting-edge training to students from all backgrounds.

Our collaboration with these institutions has already seen 12 trainers and 82 students receive certification in CiMSO’s software. The impact is clear: students are graduating with real-world skills that not only make them employable but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of their communities.

UNESCO

A Milestone Moment with UNESCO BILT

Being recognized by UNESCO’s BILT project is a tremendous honour. As part of their global effort to foster innovation in TVET, our initiative is acknowledged as a model for how digitalization can address critical skills gaps in the hospitality sector. UNESCO BILT’s feature on our program highlights the scalability and transferability of our approach, noting how CiMSO’s software solutions can be easily implemented across a wide range of educational institutions.

Through our initiative, we hope to continue driving positive social change, providing students with the tools they need to excel in the industry and paving the way for a more sustainable, inclusive future in hospitality.

Looking Ahead: Certification for the Next Generation of Professionals

The next phase of our initiative includes the introduction of an online certification process, where students can validate their competency in key areas such as property management, reservations, and accounting systems. Upon passing, students will be awarded a User Competency Certificate, giving them a tangible qualification that employers can verify online through our website.

This certification program is not only a game-changer for students but also for the industry as a whole, offering businesses a reliable way to identify skilled, digitally proficient graduates.

A Proud Moment for CiMSO

As we continue to champion the cause of education and industry readiness in the hospitality sector, we are excited about the future. Our partnership with UNESCO through the BILT initiative solidifies our commitment to providing world-class training tools and opening doors for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

CiMSO remains dedicated to supporting education, community engagement, and the growth of a vibrant, skilled workforce in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Cimso software

Contact us

CiMSO supports clients transitioning from fragmented legacy software systems to integrated ERP solutions. CiMSO also manages the successful deployment of new systems in compliance with their ISO90003 Quality Management Systems and PRINCEII project management methodologies.

Don’t hesitate to contact your local CiMSO office or Value Added Reseller for more information on CiMSO’s Integrated ERP Software Suites for Hotels, Lodges, Resorts, Clubs, Timeshare, and Leasing management.