Graduands completing their courses in tourism and hospitality have been challenged to look at starting their own businesses as one way of contributing to the development of the country.

Zulfat Mukarubega, founder and legal representative of RwandaTourism University Colleg-RTUC said that Rwanda requires more entrepreneurs mainly in the hospitality and tourism sector to foster its service delivery.

“ do not bury your heads in frustration and wait for the opportune time and cash fortunes to start your business, start today,” she said during the 3rd graduation ceremony for the university on Thursday.

Sheadds, “Ican’t stress strongly enough how determined you must be, for the road to success is neither short nor easy. Many will fail at some point, and you must learn to overcome heavy doses offrustration, burn out and disappointment along the way”.

Mukarubega said that RTUC has equipped the graduands with all the skills, competencies and right attitude that they need to transform the Rwandan society in customer care and entrepreneurship.

“May Rwandans to world class and the international community out there arelooking up to you Graduands to set a benchmark as employees and more importantly, entrepreneurs,” she added

Rwanda Tourism University College-RTUC began in 2000 and was accredited and given degree awarding powers by government in 2012 offers courses in Business information technology, hotel and restaurant management, travel and tourism management, vocational training programs and media studies.

Callixte Kabera, vice rector of the University said that the university college has been vital in closing the skills gap that has been facing the tourism sector in the country through provision of locally trained skilled labour.

“We provide hands- on skills to our graduates which we believe help them to perform well at their workplace,” he said

A total of 433 graduates have received their degrees , diplomas and certificates that will help them perform and compete favorably in the tourism sector.