Marriot international tahseen hospitality training program earns bachelors degree accreditation in Egypt

Marriott International today announced that its unique hospitality training program, Tahseen, has received the Ministry of Higher Education’s approval in Egypt and earned bachelor’s degree accreditation. The program was launched in 2018 in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation (PDF) and is focused on fast tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing them with firsthand experience of the industry and a springboard to launch successful careers in hospitality.

Speaking on the occasion, Honorable Minister H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Tourism, Egypt said:  “The Tahseen training program is in line with the institutional reform pillar within the Egypt—Tourism Reform Program. Building capacity through training and human resource development strengthens the competitiveness of the tourism sector. The travel and tourism industry in Egypt provides over three million jobs and our overarching objective is to have at least one individual in each Egyptian family working directly or indirectly in the tourism sector.”

“Our goal is to develop future leaders by empowering youth with knowledge, skills and opportunities to be successful within the hospitality industry in line with the government’s focus on the travel and tourism sector,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Today, Marriott International employs over 10,000 associates across our hotels in Egypt with 99% of them being Egyptian nationals. We remain committed and passionate about providing those keen for a budding career in hospitality with the tools and skills they need to succeed – not only for their own development but also to be a part of the wider Egypt success story.”

The company, together with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation (PDF), has created a unique program that supports its commitment to further enhance tourism education in the country. The now accredited degree is a Bachelor of Hotel Operations Management Degree, earned upon completion of a four-year program broken down into one year of university, followed by three years consisting of 14 weeks each of classroom learning and 32 weeks each of onsite training. The program aims to provide students with practical exposure to working within the industry in addition to theoretical learning. Currently there are 89 students between the ages of 18 and 20 years in the inaugural batch undergoing training at 13 participating Marriott International hotels in Egypt.

David Leman, Chief Human Resources Officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International commented: “For the Ministry of Higher Education in Egypt to recognize the Tahseen program is truly a testament to the value the course provides. The accreditation will serve to enrich and strengthen the credibility of the course and give a further impetus to creating a fully rounded hospitality learning experience, equipping students with the tools they need to create successful careers within the industry.”

Prof. Maged Negm, President of Helwan University added: “We are very proud of the Tahseen program we have been able to create and develop in partnership with Marriott International. Tahseen provides Egypt with a unique opportunity to nurture great talent, and in turn, accelerate the future of the travel and tourism industry and this accreditation will go a long way in giving the program a further boost.”

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. The program falls under Marriott International’s 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.  One of the priority areas, or “coordinates”, of Serve 360 is Empower Through Opportunity. Tahseen is a program that directly supports and brings this vision to life.

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About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world.  The company now offers one travel program, Marriott Bonvoy™, replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG).  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

© Press Release 2019