University of Johannesburg: UJ’s student advances to finals of World Tourism Forum in Switzerland

Ms. Gifty Efua Koufie from the School Tourism and Hospitality (STH) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been selected to be amongst the 12 candidates who will attend the World Tourism Forum Lucerne to be held in Andermatt, Switzerland on April 25-30, 2021.




Koufie, with her research topic, “The use of nutrition-related apps in the hospitality industry to promote healthy food choices” has been selected to join the World Tourism Forum Lucerne Young Talent Programme as a finalist after passing the three rounds of a rigid selection process.

“I’m thrilled to be a finalist as I believe malnutrition and obesity, along with other chronic non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cancer, diabetes and respiratory disorders are becoming endemic in South Africa,” says Koufie.

“This phenomenon, which is caused by unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits, adversely impacts the South African economy by overstretching healthcare infrastructure and perpetuating inequalities in longevity and living standards amongst South Africans. However, the proliferation of mobile digital devices and applications offer cost effective and personalised solutions in addressing the menace,” added Koufie.

Her research examines the use of nutrition-related apps amongst millennials in Johannesburg and how the hospitality industry can harness and integrate mobile nutrition applications to enhance the experiences and the welfare of guests.

“Gifty is a deserving student, we are very proud of her achievement and wish her the best of luck for the finals,” says her supervisor, Dr Hema Kesa, Academic Head: Hospitality Management.

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne is the leading interactive platform in the industry, where CEOs, Ministers, Academia, Finance, Start-Ups, Next Generation and Young Talents become a strong community addressing the future challenges of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and shape a more sustainable future.