In a significant move to strengthen the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, Her Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of tourism education and training across the Kingdom. This initiative, the largest of its kind globally, is set to transform the Kingdom’s tourism sector by aligning education and training outcomes more closely with the needs of the labour market.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. As the Kingdom positions itself as a top global tourism destination, the development of a skilled and professional workforce is essential. By investing in education and training, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that its tourism industry not only meets international standards but also competes on the world stage.
The initiative will assess 102 national tourism education and training programmes throughout 2024, with the goal of earning both international and local accreditations. This rigorous assessment will be conducted in partnership with leading organisations, including Un Tourism, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
By 2024, the initiative aims for 31 tourism education programmes to receive national and international accreditation. Additionally, 200 trainers and staff are expected to earn professional certificates, equipping them to deliver new, high-quality tourism programmes. The initiative also seeks to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Tourism’s employees, with 37 staff members targeted to receive professional certification to manage these programs effectively.
Princess Haifa highlighted that this initiative is more than just an educational reform; it’s a strategic effort to boost the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s tourism labour market. “We are working closely with our local and international partners to achieve the goals of this promising initiative. This effort will elevate the Kingdom’s status as a premier global tourism destination, develop the skills of industry workers, and provide them with exceptional job opportunities,” she said.
The importance of education in tourism cannot be overstated. A well-trained workforce is essential to delivering high-quality experiences to visitors, which in turn supports the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector. This initiative is a critical step in ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry can meet the demands of an increasingly competitive global market.
Several key initiatives and institutions are central to this effort. One of the most prominent developments is the establishment of the King Faisal International Academy for Tourism & Hospitality, created through a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the King Faisal Charitable Foundation. This institution focuses on providing world-class education and training in hospitality and tourism management, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in these rapidly growing sectors.
Additionally, the Tourism Academy, launched under the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), offers specialized programs in hospitality and tourism, including partnerships with prestigious global institutions like Sommet Education. This academy provides training at various levels, ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. The TDF is also focused on nurturing talent that can drive the growth of the tourism sector, which is expected to contribute significantly to the national GDP and create one million new jobs by 2030.
Furthermore, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah has a dedicated Faculty of Tourism that offers comprehensive programmes in travel, tourism, hospitality, and event management, preparing students for a range of roles within the industry.
In addition to the accreditation initiative, the Ministry of Tourism launched the Tourism National Occupational Skills Standards under the “Ahluha” initiative last June. This effort established the first national professional standards in the tourism sector, further bridging the gap between education and the needs of the industry.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism offerings, this focus on education and training will be pivotal in achieving the goals of Vision 2030. The Kingdom is not only preparing to welcome millions of visitors but is also committed to providing them with world-class experiences, supported by a highly skilled and professional workforce.
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Photo – top of page – Her Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism – courtesy of MoT.
