Lecturers from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS), The Maldives National University (MNU), contributed their expertise to the Travel and Tourism Festival 2024, organised by Ahmadiyya International School, where they served as judges for a range of student competitions.

The festival provided school students with opportunities for experiential learning and skills development across different areas of tourism and hospitality. It also created a platform for knowledge sharing between higher education and the school community.

As part of the festival, students participated in a culinary challenge where each house presented a dish representing an international cuisine. Food and Beverage lecturers Ms. Fathimath Alma and Ms. Aishath Shudfa served as judges, providing professional feedback on the students’ preparation and presentation.

The festival also featured quiz and debate competitions judged by FHTS Tourism and Hospitality Management lecturers Ms. Aishath Nadheema, Ms. Aminath Zaina, Ms. Zuneena Habeeb. Mr. Ismail Shiyar and Mr. Hussain Naseer. These activities encouraged students to demonstrate their tourism and hospitality knowledge while developing communication, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills.

FHTS’s participation reflects the value of community engagement and collaboration between higher education and schools. By connecting students with hospitality and tourism educators beyond the classroom, the festival supported quality education and helped develop skills for the workplace while introducing students to perspectives relevant to the world of work.