Latest news with #NationalTourismStrategy
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Vatel Bahrain organizes Open Day at Hilton Bahrain
Bahrain: Vatel Bahrain has organized a highly engaging Open Day at the Hilton Bahrain Hotel, underscoring its continued commitment to showcasing its internationally recognized academic programmes in tourism and hospitality. Designed as an immersive and experiential event, the initiative offered prospective students and their parents a practical and insightful introduction to the hospitality industry through interactive experiences. The open day was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, alongside Mr. Ryan Dayaday, Director of Human resources at Hilton Bahrain. In collaboration with Hilton Bahrain, the programme featured a guided hotel tour and offered a series of interactive sessions across various operational and managerial departments of the hotel, providing a first-hand understanding of hotel management practices. A comprehensive introductory session was also held to showcase Vatel Bahrain's Bachelor of International Hotel Management programme, combining academic theory with hands-on professional training to equip students with the skills and knowledge essential for success in hospitality industry. The day concluded with a networking session, fostering engagement between participants and Vatel Bahrain team, Vatel students and graduates, besides hospitality professionals from Hilton Bahrain. Speaking at the event, Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa emphasized that the open day, held in collaboration with Hilton Bahrain, represented a significant opportunity for prospective students to explore the hospitality sector through an immersive experience that allows them to learn about both theoretical and practical aspects of Vatel Bahrain curriculum firsthand. Sheikh Khaled further added, 'This event provided a comprehensive platform to showcase the unique opportunities offered by Vatel Bahrain leading to wide-ranging career choices in the rapidly expanding hospitality and tourism sectors within the Kingdom and the wider region. Moreover, this open day reflects our strategic commitment to cultivating hospitality professionals who uphold the highest standards of environmental responsibility, in alignment with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy 2022–2026.' Mr. Ryan Dayaday, Director of Human resources at Hilton Bahrain, commented: 'We are proud our productive collaboration with Vatel Bahrain to develop Bahraini talent capable of leading the future of hospitality. Through hands-on training and industry-best practices, we equip students with the skills to excel in this competitive field. Hilton Bahrain remains committed to supporting Vatel Bahrain students by providing practical experience at one of the Kingdom's premier hotels.' About Vatel Hospitality School: Vatel Hospitality School was established in France in 1981, specializing in business management within the hospitality and tourism sectors. It has since expanded to 55 campuses across 33 countries. The Bahrain campus, founded in 2018, is part of this global network. Vatel holds a distinguished international reputation, with over 45,000 graduates worldwide who have gone on to become leaders in the industry. Vatel has consistently been ranked first in France and 12th globally in hospitality management, according to the latest QS rankings, maintaining this position for four consecutive years.
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi program to train future tourism leaders
RIYADH: The Tourism Development Fund has opened applications for its fourth leadership training program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. The Tourism Oluo Program is a key initiative to attract talented university graduates from local and international institutions for careers in the sector, a vital part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan. Implemented with Spain's IE University, the program equips graduates with hands-on training aligned to local and global tourism market needs, the SPA added. Participants will receive practical training at the fund's Riyadh headquarters and attend specialized courses in the Kingdom and abroad with leading academic and training institutions. The program provides social insurance, medical coverage, monthly stipends, paid annual leave, and opportunities to contribute to strategic tourism projects. Targeted fields include finance, accounting, business administration, information technology, and engineering, according to the report. This initiative supports the National Tourism Strategy's aims to meet evolving market demands and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global destination.
Leaders
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
ARDARA Launches First-Ever Lifestyle Community at AlWadi Destination
Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Aseer Region and Chairman of ARDARA, officially announced the launch of ARDARA's first modern lifestyle community at AlWadi. The announcement took place during the second Aseer Investment Forum, held at King Khalid University in Abha, and included new details about this landmark destination. ARDARA, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is leading the development. This milestone project highlights ARDARA's mission to create integrated residential and tourism destinations that elevate the Aseer Region's profile within the national development framework. It reflects the company's strong commitment to sustainable urban planning and enhancing quality of life. The initial phase of the project includes a diverse range of offerings: A five-star hotel with approximately 180 rooms A four-star hotel featuring around 245 rooms 40 luxury branded apartments and 42 luxury branded villas 62 premium apartments 4,500 square meters of high-end retail space Public amenities such as walking and cycling paths, and environmentally friendly mobility solutions In pursuit of world-class hospitality standards, ARDARA has signed a letter of intent with Hilton to operate a Waldorf Astoria hotel within the development. Further expanding its vision, ARDARA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sumou Holding to develop future phases of AlWadi. These will include mixed-use urban communities that integrate residential, hospitality, and entertainment elements—aligned with the National Tourism Strategy and grounded in principles of sustainability and smart urban development. The potential value of this partnership stands at SAR 1 billion. ARDARA, SEDCO ARDARA also entered a strategic MoU with SEDCO Capital to manage an investment fund worth SAR 1 billion for the development of an urban project in Abha. Additionally, the initiative aims to blend residential, hospitality, and entertainment components to drive economic and tourism growth in the Aseer Region. Furthermore, ARDARA signed an MoU with Southern Province Cement Company to promote sustainable urban development practices. The agreement covers the supply of eco-friendly 'green cement,' joint greening and community initiatives, and technical knowledge sharing—contributing to both environmental sustainability and construction excellence across the region. 'The launch of our first lifestyle community in AlWadi represents a unique investment opportunity in Aseer,' said Naif bin Saleh Al-Hamdan, Managing Director of ARDARA. 'It offers exclusive waterfront properties and a vibrant community that honors Saudi heritage while embracing modern living. Finally, the strategic partnerships we announced today underscore our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and investment value—fully aligned with the Public Investment Fund's initiatives and Saudi Vision 2030.' Related Topics: IARDA Licenses 40 Tour Guides Culture Ministry Launches Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 Riyadh Art Completes Installation of Davide Rivalta Sculptures 'The Neighbors of the Moon': an Ideal Tourist Destination in Jizan Short link : Post Views: 21
Tourism Breaking News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Diriyah backs Saudi drive to attract 5 million Chinese tourists, debuts at ITB China 2025
Post Views: 35 In an exclusive interview with TravTalk Middle East, Naif Hassan Awlia, Tourism and Engagement Director of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, shared insights into the destination's debut at ITB China. Representing Diriyah for the first time at the event, Awlia emphasized the strategic importance of China as a key source market, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader tourism vision. 'As part of Diriyah's tourism ecosystem, we closely follow the National Tourism Strategy,' Awlia explained. 'China is a priority market for us. With the Kingdom targeting 150 million visitors annually by 2030, 5 million of those are expected to come from China—and we intend to play a significant role in achieving that goal.' He highlighted the purpose of their participation at ITB China: to connect with leading travel trade partners, including platforms such as Alibaba and and tailor their offerings to resonate with Chinese travellers. 'We're here not only to tell our story but to understand and align with the narrative that appeals to the Chinese market,' he concluded.
Tourism Breaking News
09-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Makarem launches its new identity strengthening its positioning as the leading brand in Spiritual hospitality
Post Views: 35 Taiba Investments launched the new identity of its home-grown hospitality brand, Makarem. It unveils its new identity under the theme 'Journey to the Origins', with a forward-looking vision that aligns with the evolving expectations of pilgrims and visitors to Makkah and Madinah. Makarem's new identity reflects its commitment to providing an integrated hospitality experience that enhances the spiritual journey of pilgrims and Umrah performers, with a focus on authenticity, innovation, and human touch, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, promote religious and cultural tourism, and build a vibrant society. Makarem has defined a comprehensive strategic framework for launching its new identity, including strengthening its presence, expanding investment partnerships, and participating in major events inside and outside the Kingdom. The Makarem service experience will be highlighted by emphasising its quality service, attention to detail, and close connection to Islamic values and local heritage. The Kingdom aims to accommodate more than 150 million tourists annually by 2030, making the launch of Makarem's new identity at this time a strategic step that opens up broad horizons for growth and expansion. The launch of Makarem's new identity is part of Taiba Investment's growth and expansion strategy, which aims to contribute to achieving the goals of the National Tourism Strategy, which targets welcoming more than 150 million tourists annually by 2030. Sultan bin Badr Al Otaibi, CEO of Taiba Investment, said: 'The new identity goes beyond the visual aspect to encompass a comprehensive operational philosophy that includes developing the culture of hospitality, innovative services, and raising quality standards, in addition to utilising the latest hospitality technologies such as AI to uplift our guests' experience'. Launching the new identity marks a new phase in Makarem's journey, centred around the message of 'Journey to the Origins', which reflects authentic Saudi values while adapting to modern trends in the hospitality market, both locally and globally. Leveraging its deep-rooted legacy in hospitality operations since 1983, Makarem has played a pivotal role in delivering a uniquely Saudi hospitality experience. 'We will strengthen Makarem's position as the leading Saudi brand in Makkah and Madinah, ensuring it remains the first choice for pilgrims and Umrah performers, by offering a spiritual hospitality experience inspired by authenticity and embracing the future,' Al Otaibi added. The launch of the new identity will include a series of events and activities in Makkah and Madinah, followed by regional and international events, to consolidate the brand's new image as the leader in spiritual hospitality and expand its customer base locally and internationally. With its new identity, Makarem affirms its commitment to leading the Kingdom's spiritual hospitality landscape and offering a Saudi hotel experience that combines authenticity and innovation. It is more than just a brand; it is a comprehensive vision aimed at providing comfort and reassurance to pilgrims and visitors from the moment of arrival until departure.
