Marriott International is reinforcing its commitment to Egypt with the launch of Tahseen, a hospitality training program developed in response to a growing need for talent within the industry.

Created in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation (PDF), the program 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.  The company, together with Helwan University and PDF, has created a unique program that supports its commitment to further enhance tourism education in the country.  Tahseen, which is set to commence in September 2018, provides the technical training that complements the newly initiated “Hotel Management & Operations Bachelor’s Degree program created through the joint efforts of the PDF and Helwan University.

Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer, 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 program like Tahseen, that nurtures and builds national talent, is indeed key to our success.”

“Over the last four decades we have worked hard to consciously develop local talent and prepare them to become future leaders in hospitality,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “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.”

Marriott International is the largest international operator in Egypt with a strong footprint of 18 operating hotels and resorts and more than 7,400 rooms across 7 brands including The Ritz – Carlton, JW Marriott, Le Meridien, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Sheraton and Westin. 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.