“Guest houses attract both local and international tourists with the aim of providing them with a taste of local food and hospitality. This creates much-needed job opportunities and revenue for local regions.” said Prof. Desere Kokt, editor of the newly published book called: A Practical Guide to Guest House Management. The publishing team who worked tirelessly on publishing the book recognises the importance of the tourism and hospitality industries in the growth of our regional and national socio-economic development. The contributors to the book include staff and students from CUT that boasts an impressive array of theoretical knowledge and industry exposure.  “Successful business mean job creation, economic growth and stability and world class service for travellers.” said Prof. Kokt. 

“As the successful managing and running of a guest house has its own set of challenges, the intention of this book is to provide a practical guide to assist both guest house owners and managers in effectively managing their establishments.” said Prof. Albert Strydom, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences. Research in the tourism and hospitality industry, also termed the leisure industry, was identified as one of the 14 strategic research areas of CUT which affirms the importance the institution places on the research area. “CUT recognises the important contribution the two fields make to economic activities of the central region as well as other local regions” asserted Prof. Strydom. The book consists of seven themes: Your guest house and the law, basic management principles, basic financial management, marketing your gust house, accommodation and front office management, planning your breakfast menu and understanding intercultural differences. The themes are presented with many practical applications and examples, making the content accessible to any interested reader. Find out more about the publication here: www.africansunmedia.co.za  

Prof. Deseré Kokt is congratulated by another top notch CUT researcher, Prof. Yali Woyessa who recently made media headlines with his research in Water Resources - offering a valuable insight in how best to optimise South Africa’s water supply and use in a more sustainable way.