KSA invests in big way!

Saudi Arabia has launched a programme to train 100K young Saudis with key hospitality skills necessary to pursue careers in the tourism industry.

TT Bureau

The programme was launched by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, at the 116th session of the World Tourism Organization’s Executive Council in Jeddah. ‘Tourism Trailblazers’ will provide in-depth global experience to the tourism industry’s future leaders. This programme aims to train 100,000 Saudis, as the ministry continues efforts after the launch of a new human capital development strategy in the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism industry, which aims to attract more Saudi nationals to the sector.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, said: “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 Vision 2030. This program demonstrates our commitment to empowering young

people by providing them with right skills, support and opportunities to shape the future of the tourism industry.”

According to His Excellency, the programme has three main objectives that aim to nurture, develop and support talent in the industry. It 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. The programme will help trainees to secure jobs within the sector, including seasonal, part-time, or full-time opportunities.

His Excellency further stressed that this and other initiatives are geared towards delivering on the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 targets, including the creation of one million new jobs in tourism by 2030. His Excellency added that the highly specialised programmes will empower scholarship trainees by equipping them with the skills and qualifications required to enter the labour market.

Mohammed Bushnag, Deputy Minister, Human Capital, said: “A financial investment of this size shows our determination to equip our youth with the tools they need to suceed. Tourism attractivness ratio has increased 75 per cent among Saudi young male and female. Supporting the dreams of our Tourism Trailblazers and enabling their continued education at the best global schools, is vital as we continue to emerge as a global player in the sector.”

Participants in the programme are set to benefit from training scholarships at leading global institutions in France, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kindom, Australia and Italy. Applications will be accepted not only from fresh graduates, but also from Saudis who already work within the industry and those who aspire to start a career in the tourism, hospitality, culinary, service, and sales fields. Training 100K Saudi youth is one of the biggest investments announced amid the pandemic, which will benefit the industry as it prepares for vision 2030.