AccorHotels includes Saudi women in hotel training

AccorHotels' Saudi Management Training Programme (SMTP) includes female participants for the first time

AccorHotels’ Saudi Management Training Programme (SMTP) is including female participants for the first time.

The Saudi female participants are taking part in AccorHotels' second edition of the Saudi Management Training Programme. According to a statement by the hotel group, out of 21 Saudi nationals taking part in the second SMTP, the majority are female. 

The training programme has been launched to train Saudi nationals to take on managerial positions within the country’s hospitality sector. The programme takes 15 months to complete and looks at hospitality skills, as well as managerial skills.

AccorHotels Middle East managing director and COO Olivier Granet said: “We began this program with the aim of encouraging Saudi nationals to enter the hospitality industry, and with the promise of nurturing their careers within our future management teams.

“I am particularly proud that we have now extended this promise to Saudi women, who form an integral part of the Kingdom’s sustainable growth. This initiative is a perfect translation of AccorHotels’ philosophy and our commitment to develop the local human resources of the communities in which we operate.”

Story continues below

Launched with the collaboration of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, the second edition of the SMTP is the first time that females have participated, and also the first time that men and women have been trained during the same edition of the programme.

AccorHotels KSA & Egypt director of human resources and training Amar Belgat said: “We are committed to not only creating more job opportunities for Saudi nationals, but also empowering young talents, enhancing their skills and helping them move up in their hospitality careers.

"We are pleased to report that about 30 per cent of AccorHotels’ staff in the country is now made up of Saudis whom we invest in and train directly, with the number of Saudi women employees also increasing steadily.”