Kampala, Uganda / TIEA News – October 23, 2025
The Tourism Institute of East Africa (TIEA) was honored to host a high-level delegation from Tangshan Maritime Institute, China, marking a significant milestone in international academic collaboration and tourism education. The visit aimed at formalizing a long-term partnership between the two institutions, focusing on enhancing cultural understanding, skills development, and academic exchange in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The delegation was led by Prof. Shukun Zhang, Assistant to the President and Dean of the Business and Tourism School at Tangshan Maritime Institute. He was accompanied by Prof. Xiang Fei, Deputy Director of the Teaching Affairs Department, and Prof. Lu Chang, Professor of Business English. The visiting professors were warmly received by Mr. Francis Mugoga, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Institute of East Africa, alongside members of TIEA’s faculty and student community.
During their visit, the delegation held a series of discussions and engagement sessions with TIEA’s academic leadership, focusing on shared goals in global tourism education and professional training. The event culminated in an official commissioning ceremony, where Mr. Francis Mugoga and Prof. Shukun Zhang formally launched the collaboration between the two institutes.
The partnership between the Tourism Institute of East Africa and Tangshan Maritime Institute encompasses several strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the academic experience and fostering international exposure among students and faculty. The key areas of cooperation include:
1. Teaching Chinese for Tourism
TIEA will introduce Chinese language courses tailored for the tourism and hospitality industry. This program will equip students with essential linguistic and cultural skills to better engage with the growing number of Chinese tourists and business travelers in Africa.
2. Development of Chinese Culinary Programs
Both institutions will jointly develop and implement specialized training in Chinese cuisine, expanding TIEA’s culinary arts curriculum. This initiative aims to expose students to authentic Chinese cooking techniques and traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation of global gastronomy.
3. Student Exchange Program
A bilateral student exchange program will enable learners from both institutions to study abroad for a semester or academic year, enhancing cross-cultural competence and academic growth.
4. International Internship Opportunities
The agreement includes an internship exchange where students from Tangshan Maritime Institute will undertake practical training in Uganda’s hospitality and tourism industry, while TIEA students will gain hands-on experience in China’s dynamic tourism and maritime sectors.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Francis Mugoga emphasized the importance of the collaboration in promoting cross-cultural learning and preparing students for the global tourism market.
“This partnership is a gateway to building stronger educational bridges between Africa and Asia. By integrating language, culture, and professional skills, we are empowering our students to become global citizens ready to lead in the tourism and hospitality industries,”
said Mr. Mugoga.
On his part, Prof. Shukun Zhang praised the Tourism Institute of East Africa for its commitment to excellence and innovation in tourism education.
“We are impressed by TIEA’s vision and its dedication to nurturing talent for the African tourism industry. This collaboration will create meaningful opportunities for students and faculty from both sides to learn, share, and grow together,”
he stated.
The partnership officially commenced on October 23, 2025, symbolizing a new chapter of cooperation between Uganda and China in the field of tourism and hospitality education. Both institutions are set to begin implementation of the joint programs in early 2026, starting with Chinese language training and curriculum development for the culinary program.
This collaboration reaffirms the Tourism Institute of East Africa’s commitment to providing globally competitive education and strengthening international partnerships that contribute to the growth of Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
