-Promote international tourism education: the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is presented on World Tourism Day in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New details about the pioneering Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality have been revealed at the World Tourism Day (WTD) event in Riyadh. First announced in 2021, the school is co-founded by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Qiddiya in collaboration with UNWTO.

The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is envisioned to become the world's first student-focused academy to unite all facets of tourism training needed to empower the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders from around the world and close the global tourism skills gap.

The new developments were announced during a press conference organized by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvil, on the sidelines of the World Tourism Day event.

Located at the headquarters of the Kingdom's mega entertainment project, Qiddiya, with a temporary facility at Princess Nourah University, the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality reaffirms Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in advancing the global tourism sector and underlines its commitment to bridge the global skills shortage to accelerate the industry's future growth. The school will accept students starting in the fourth quarter of 2024 and by 2030 will have an intake of more than 25,000 students per year.

Currently, most international tourism institutes do not offer academic and vocational education in the full breadth and depth of the ecosystem within a single institution. Through a pioneering hybrid curriculum, the student-focused institution will seize this opportunity by bringing together the brightest minds, cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art facilities and world-class faculty to create a holistic, career-focused program.

The school's board of directors will include multidisciplinary leaders from diverse backgrounds, from tourism and hospitality to investment and educational technology. In addition to His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, there are the CEO of Qiddiya, Abdullah AlDawood, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the UNWTO, the CEO of Accor Hotels, Sebastian Bazin, the CEO of the Group , Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority Jerry Inzerillo, Morgan Parker and Udacity CEO Kai Roemmelt, among others, to be announced in due course.

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: "The success of the tourism sector goes far beyond economic growth, but depends on the commitment of governments around the world to equip future tourism leaders of the skills needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.

"The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is Saudi Arabia's gift to the world. Through its pioneering curriculum, which will offer comprehensive higher education courses covering all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry, the school represents Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing comprehensive and progressive education that empowers people, both domestically and internationally. As we invest in the next generation of tourism professionals, we are not only securing the future of the industry, but "We also foster a legacy of excellence that will drive prosperity, stimulate the individual growth of citizens, and foster cultural exchange for many years to come."

Furthermore, Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, added: "The latest developments at the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality mark an important milestone in our quest for a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector. Education is the foundation of progress and "By investing in the skills and knowledge of future tourism leaders, we are strengthening the foundations on which the growth and development of the industry depends."

As the tourism sector continues its economic growth trajectory (reaching $9.5 trillion in contribution to GDP in 2023), the sector is projected to employ 430 million people worldwide by 2033, with almost 12% of the active population employed in the sector. According to WTTC, Saudi Arabia, which has the fastest growing travel and tourism sector in the Middle East, had trained 80,000 citizens by 2022 and had committed to investing more than $100 million in education and training.

The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is part of the Kingdom's broader commitment to the development of the global tourism sector, as demonstrated by the celebration of DMT 2023. Under the theme "Green Tourism and Investments", attendees explore the essential role of tourism and global collaboration to boost prosperity, unite cultures and preserve the environment through a variety of activities.

About the Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia was founded in 2020, following the opening of Saudi Arabia to international tourists in 2019. The Ministry spearheads the Kingdom's vision of bringing Saudi tourism to the forefront. Its efforts align with the Kingdom's ambitious goals, which aim to create 1 million jobs for its citizens, enable accelerated and sustainable growth with data-led future-focused policies, investments and talent development, receive 100 million views tourism by 2030 and amplify the sector's contribution to GDP from 3% to 10%. In doing so, the Ministry of Tourism issues licenses and classifications for tourism activities and creates and approves regulations for tourist visas.

About UNWTO

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations to promote tourism as a vehicle for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. Working with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also works to make tourism the basis of international trust and cooperation and a central pillar of growth and opportunity. As part of the broader United Nations system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs, promote equality and preserve natural heritage. and cultural.

About Qiddiya

Qiddiya is set to become a vibrant, liveable, entertainment, sporting and cultural destination currently being developed on the doorstep of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. Its philosophy reflects Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to build an ambitious nation with a vibrant society and a prosperous economy. Set amidst the Kingdom's stunning natural landscapes, the giant, cutting-edge project will include everything from family-friendly theme parks and sophisticated sports venues to elaborate concert halls and beautiful public spaces, all located minutes from urban centers offering places to live, work and stay, and also to shop, dine and visit.

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