GATE, Japan's Tōno city and Tono Co sign agreement for Nepali student internships

KATHMANDU: A tripartite cooperation agreement was signed on Thursday between the Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE), Japan’s city of Tōno and Tono Co to facilitate student exchanges in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The agreement will offer Nepali students internship placements in Tōno city and strengthen cultural exchange and human resource development between Nepal and Japan.

The signing took place at a special ceremony, with representatives from GATE College, Tōno city and Tono Co participating online via Zoom.

Its main objective is to give Nepali students direct experience in the Japanese hospitality industry, contributing to the training of essential hospitality professionals and laying the groundwork for Japan’s future acceptance of foreign workers.

Tōno City Mayor Tada Kazuhiko described the initiative as “an important step towards the internationalisation of the city”, stating that it brings fresh perspectives and cultural enrichment to Tōno while offering students practical experience in Japan. He added that Tōno faces a declining birth rate, an ageing population and labour shortages, and is working to attract diverse talent and promote multicultural coexistence. “This agreement is a big step towards accepting foreign talent and internationalising our region in the future, which Tōno city fully supports,” he said.

GATE College Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khem R Lakai recalled that GATE has realised students’ hopes and ambitions for 19 years through collaborations with EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, Kathmandu University and TAFE NSW (New South Wales) in Australia. He called the agreement the beginning of a shared dream between Nepal and Japan.

Tono Co CEO Suki Suzuki said the internship scheme presents a significant opportunity for Tōno’s tourism development. He emphasised the need for human resources with an international perspective and multicultural understanding to revive rural domestic tourism. “When interns with an international outlook work and learn in local areas, it not only improves service quality but also contributes directly to building an attractive welcoming system for foreign tourists,” Suzuki said.

Following the agreement, GATE College students will receive placements in the tourism, accommodation and hospitality sectors in Tōno city, Japan.