Dubai, UAE: The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is developing its Saudi Graduate Programme across the group’s Jeddah cluster of properties, whereby high-achieving Saudi nationals are trained in the array of skills needed to succeed in top managerial positions within the kingdom’s burgeoning hospitality sector. 

To be eligible to join Ascott’s Saudi Graduate Programme, Saudi graduates must have at least a Bachelor’s degree with honours and be willing to learn and develop their career within an international group. The programme comprises theory and practical training across all departments and is followed by an overseas training in one of Ascott’s properties.

“We’re in the midst of an exciting period of growth in Saudi Arabia,” says Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional GM for Middle East, Africa, Turkey & India. “The Kingdom’s tourism industry is growing at an exponential rate and is creating many new jobs within the hospitality sector. We launched Ascott’s Saudi Graduate Programme in line with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage to promote, nurture and develop this valuable homegrown pool of young talent and offer successful individuals a dynamic career path within the Ascott group.

“In just a short amount time the programme has made a significant impact,” he continues. “Our turnover ratio of Saudi colleagues has fallen from 58% in 2016 to less than 15% to date in 2019; staff loyalty has been positively affected and guest satisfaction levels have increased. What’s more, Ascott Sari Jeddah was recently named as Saudi Arabia’s Leading Serviced Apartments 2019 for the second consecutive year in the annual World Travel Awards.

“We are also proud to announce that one of our current trainees who will shortly take on the running of a property, is female. A key element of Saudi Vision 2030 is job diversification and women’s access to the employment market, and at Ascott we are committed to playing an active role in making this a reality,” adds Miccolis.

From on-the-job training in housekeeping, handling reservations, checking-in and checking-out procedures and managing VIP guests, Ascott’s graduates must master the day-to-day facets of how to run an international-standard serviced residence, in addition to behind the scenes essentials such as HR, sales and marketing, finance and procurement.     

While the Saudi Graduate Programme is currently available only within Ascott’s Jeddah cluster of properties, plans are in the pipeline to roll out the scheme to all of the group’s residences in the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Al Khobar and Abha.

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About The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. Ascott's portfolio spans more than 170 cities across over 31 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the U.S.Ascott has more than 58,000 operating units and over 43,000 units under development, making a total of more than 101,000 units in over 670 properties.  The company’s serviced residence and hotel brands include Ascott, Citadines, Citadines Connect, Somerset, Quest, The Crest Collection, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Fox, Yello and POP!.

Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Today, the company boasts over 30 years of industry track record and award-winning brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.

Ascott’s achievements have been recognised internationally. Recent awards include World Travel Awards 2019 for 'Leading Serviced Apartment Brand' in the Middle East'; DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2019 for 'Best Serviced Residence Brand'; TTG China Travel Awards 2019 for 'Best Serviced Residence Operator in China'; World Travel Awards 2018 for 'Leading Serviced Apartment Brand' in Asia, Europe and the Middle East; Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2018 for 'Best Serviced Residence Brand'; Business Traveller UK Awards 2018 for 'Best Serviced Apartment Company' and Business Traveller China Awards 2018 for 'Best Luxury Serviced Residence Brand'. For a full list of awards, please visit https://www.the-ascott.com/ascottlimited/awards.html . 

About CapitaLand Limited 

Ascott’s parent company, CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) is one of Asia’s largest real estate companies.  Headquartered and listed in Singapore, it is an owner and manager of a global portfolio worth over S$103 billion as at 31 March 2019, comprising integrated developments, shopping malls, lodging, offices, homes, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and funds.  CapitaLand’s market capitalisation is approximately S$15 billion as at 31 March 2019.  Present across more than 180 cities in over 30 countries, the Group focuses on Singapore and China as core markets, while it continues to expand in markets such as Vietnam, Europe and the USA.

CapitaLand’s competitive advantage is its significant asset base and extensive market network.  Coupled with extensive design, development and operational capabilities, the Group develops and manages high-quality real estate products and services.  It also has one of the largest investment management businesses in Asia and a stable of five REITs listed in Singapore and Malaysia – CapitaLand Mall Trust, CapitaLand Commercial Trust, Ascott Residence Trust, CapitaLand Retail China Trust and CapitaLand Malaysia Mall Trust. 

Visit www.capitaland.com  for more information.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Cindy Blaser
Mobile: +971 55 631 0028
Email: cindy.b@qcomms.ae 

© Press Release 2019

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