DIPLOMA

Duration/ Timetable

The Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality is a modern an institute offering a comprehensive 2-year diploma programme for graduates of class XII in Hotel Management and Tourism Management. 

RITH offers students with a Diploma in Hotel Management and Tourism Management

The two year diploma programme combines theoretical and practical training in the most important fields of the hospitality and tourism industry. The curriculum is designed according to international standards while still including Bhutanese aspects and needs. After finishing education and graduation at RITH, alumni of this institute will not only be highly appreciated employees for the national and international tourism and hospitality industry but will also be able to set up new or run an existing business.

The first two terms guarantee a profound foundation for all future professionals. Term III focuses on the two specializations – Hotel Management and Tourism Management, where students get an in-depth knowledge in their respective fields of interest. In addition to the in-house practical experiences gained from four star Training Hotel and banquet activities, in term IV students join the industry for a four months internship to gain more professional experiences.

Foundation (General Management) Term

The aim of the foundation terms is to give a good overview of tourism, its developments, markets and global trends as well as a good insight into tourism and hotel operations. Students will have adequate theory lessons wherever it is per-requisite for general understanding and conceptualization in addition to the need for theory to train their skills practically in the training kitchen and restaurant as well as in hotel and banquet facilities

During the first term students will stay in the training kitchen and restaurant. Beginning with the second term students will have sufficient knowledge and skills to be gently introduced to the ‘real world’ by working several hours per month in the hotel and the banquet hall. They will be closely supervised by their instructors and their practical training will be discussed and analyzed afterwards. The foundation is emphasized in this curriculum as all students should be able to find employment in the hospitality and tourism industry likewise and if not in another service industry as well.

The critical intention behind the foundation is to prepare students with good concepts and distinct understanding of both areas of tourism and hotel management thus opening enough doors for them to make choice as well as to increase their employability opportunities. The 3rd and the 4th terms are geared towards giving students more insight in their field of interest and concentrate more on management subjects

Specialization

After two foundation terms, students will have to choose between Hotel Management and Tourism Management as a concentration program based on merit ranking. The specialization terms allow students to gain more insight and to deepen their knowledge and to get more practical exposure in their area of interest

Hotel Management

Running hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and guesthouses involve many different aspects of operational and management skills which need to be covered adequately and properly. Graduates of RITH will be well-qualified for different responsibilities which are involved in successfully running a hospitality business. They will have developed skills in business and accounting, tourism and management, eTourism, communication and language as well as in the hospitality sector such as food and beverage management and human resources.

Tourism Management

The travel and tourism industry continues to be one of the world's fastest growing industries. The relative cost of air travel is quite reasonable therefore more and more people travel for both business and pleasure. The sale of airline tickets and holiday packages has internationally become a rapidly expanding business. The course is designed for students who aim to become major players in the tourist industry, either as decision makers influencing the growth and development of regional or national tourism, or want to join tour operators providing complete holiday 'packages'. Students thus learn how to compile all-inclusive tours with flights, excursions and accommodations, the relevant financial and management techniques, and how to undertake the strategic planning necessary to ensure that tourism continues as a sustainable business in the future.

Criteria for selection

The admission for new students takes place every year. The maximum intake for the admission is 50 [fifty] students (25 girls and 25 boys) for every admission period. Gender equality is one of the fundamental criteria for admitting students into the diploma program. At the moment RITH accepts applications only from Bhutanese nationals.

The minimum qualification prescribed for participating in the selection process into the diploma program is Class XII pass, meeting the criteria which is set every year.

 
Applicants are required to submit a copy of class X & XII Academic Transcripts, Citizenship Identity Card, Security Clearance Certificate, Medical Fitness Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, Character Certificate, and Passport size photo along with an application form to the Institute.

The applicants shall be disqualified on the following grounds:

• • If the admission form is incomplete
  • If the supporting documents are not complete
  • If false documents have been submitted
  • If required educational qualifications are not fulfilled 
  • If the minimum criteria is not fulfilled
  • If incorrect or wrong information is given
  • If an applicant is absent during the admission test
  • If an applicant is seen with tattoos on visible part of the body (face, neck and hands.
  • If an applicant has been selected/admitted into any other institutions in Bhutan

Entrance Exam

The following are the components for final selection of new admission: 

• • Academic performance from Class XII
  • Written test 
  • Interview 

The written exams shall test English Language, Aptitude, General Knowledge, History, Current Affairs, Local Politics, Geography, History and Critical Reasoning.

The interview shall test candidate’s ability in the following areas but not limited to:

• • Appearance/Grooming
  • Analytical ability
  • Attitude
  • Communication Skills

Selection Process

In the event of selected candidates failing to report for the course or withdraw from the course, the substitutes for the vacant seats created thereof shall be transferred automatically to candidates in the order of merit in waitlisted pool from the respective concentration programs. However, the substitute admission shall be granted to the same gender only.

Admission and fees 

The students are not required to pay any admission and tuition fees, however, they are required to pay a security deposit of Nu. 2,500 and buy their own uniform and stationeries. Additional expenses may be incurred for study tours and field trips.

Internship

During the fourth term, a total of twelve weeks (3 months) is reserved for students to participate compulsorily in the industry within and outside the country to gain more professional experiences and knowledge. This is in addition to the practical exposure they will have within the institute. The internship takes place in a hotel or a travel company. The placement for the internship is either obtained by the institute or the students themselves.