Marriott International to offer hospitality training programme in Egypt

Marriott International recently launched Tahseen, its hospitality training programme developed in response to a growing need for talent within the industry, in Eqypt.

Created in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation (PDF), the programme is focused on fast-tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders from Egypt by providing them with firsthand experience and a springboard to launch successful careers in the industry.

Tahseen was first launched by Marriott International in Saudi Arabia in 2017 and received very encouraging results paving the way for a wider regional roll out. Egypt is a strategic growth market for the company and was therefore an obvious priority. Tahseen Egypt, which is set to commence in September, provides the technical training that complements the newly initiated “Hotel Management & Operations” Bachelor’s Degree programme created through the joint efforts of the PDF and Helwan University.

Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, Marriott International, said: “Marriott International is a company that believes in putting people first and we are committed to giving our associates the world class training and the opportunity to grow and reach their potential, both personally and professionally.

“Our vision is to develop future leaders, empowered with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to be successful within the hospitality industry, both regionally and globally. Building a sustainable and robust hospitality education programme like Tahseen, that nurtures and builds national talent, is indeed key to our success”.

“Hospitality comes naturally to Egyptians”

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added: “Today we employ over 10,200 associates across our hotels in Egypt with 99% of them being local Egyptian nationals. Hospitality comes naturally to Egyptians. We therefore saw an opportunity and felt the need to play a more active role in the development of local talent in a formal and structured manner.

“We are delighted to partner with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation, for what is truly a pioneering effort in imparting quality hospitality education in the country by opening doors of opportunity for the youth.”

Mohamed Farouk Hafeez, chairman, Professional Development Foundation (PDF), concluded: “I hope that together we will be able to make a valuable contribution in creating a successful and sustainable programme that not only empowers our youth by increasing their employability but also enables them to make a smooth and seamless transition into the professional world.”

Tahseen falls under Marriott International’s new sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business.

Marriott International is the largest international operator in Egypt with a footprint of 18 operating hotels and resorts and more than 7,400 rooms across 7 brands. With four hotels in the pipeline, the company will add another 1200 rooms, debuting new brands including St. Regis and Element. By 2020, the hotel giant will have 22 operating hotels with more than 8,600 rooms.