The first wave of Saudi's Tourism...

The programme aims to equip 100,000 Saudis with the skills to work in hospitality

Saudi Arabia’s best and brightest future hospitality workers have arrived at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education campus in Marbella, Spain to complete the first day of training at top at global tourism school.

The initiative is part of a new programme announced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism to equip 100,000 young Saudis with the skills needed to pursue careers in the kingdom’s tourism sector.

Launched by Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia at the 116th session of the World Tourism Organisation’s Executive Council in Jeddah last month, ‘Tourism Trailblazers’ will provide in-depth global experience to the tourism industry’s future leaders.

Al Khateeb said: “The programme demonstrates our commitment to empowering young people by providing them with right skills, support and opportunities to shape the future of the tourism industry.

“It is vital that we invest in our youth now. Creating a skilled workforce with the talent and ambition to support and drive the tourism sector regionally and globally is key to realising the Saudi Vision 2030, a unique and transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world.”

Organisers says: "The programme seeks to spread a culture of professionalism, help nascent professionals gain the knowledge and qualifications needed to break into the industry, and support their success through refinement of their skills."

Fundamentally, the programme will help trainees to secure jobs within the sector in the Kingdom, including seasonal, part-time and full-time opportunities.

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The first students at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education campus in Marbella will be taught the fundamentals of tourism business, from understanding housekeeping operations to customer experience and sales and negotiation skills.

Les Roches Global Hospitality Education is part of Sommet Education, a leading worldwide network of higher education hospitality and culinary art schools.

Sommet Education CEO Benoît-Etienne Domenget said: “We're honoured to contribute to the rise of Saudi talents, fully engaged in providing them with the practical and academic skills they will need to embrace a career in such a wide industry at a time where opportunities of growth and development are at their highest for all.”

Some participants are set to benefit from training scholarships at leading global institutions in France, Spain, Switzerland, UK, Australia and Italy. Applications are being accepted not only from fresh graduates, but also from Saudis who already work in the industry and those who aspire to start a career in tourism and hospitality.

For more information, visit www.mt.gov.sa