Tag Archives: Middle East region

SPARK, in partnership with Parachute 16 and with the support of Google.org, has launched the Maharat for Tourism programme which aims to train 25,000 individuals across MENA, kicking off the initiative with an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The launch, which took place at the Garage venue in Riyadh, welcomed over 100 guests, including government officials from the tourism sector, MSMEs, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. SPARK’s Regional Programme Director-ME, Dina AlMasaeid, delivered a keynote speech, stating, “Through the Maharat for Tourism programme, we aim to contribute to creating sustainable and impactful job opportunities within the tourism sector by providing training in digital tools, artificial intelligence, and essential soft skills.while also collaborating with governments to help create better regulatory frameworks for tourism, with the goal of building a tourism sector that’s more sustainable, diverse, and prosperous for all.” Charbel Sarkis, KSA Country Director at Google, emphasized the importance of technology in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for everyone. “At Google, we believe in the power of technology to drive economic growth and create opportunities for everyone. Through our partnership with SPARK, we hope to bring the Maharat for Tourism program to 25,000 people in the MENA region and to equip them with AI and digital skills. Our goal is to support the tourism sector and empower a new generation of entrepreneurs with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.” The Maharat for Tourism programme is designed to lead the future of tourism by focusing on green and sustainable practices. It aims to support 25,000 job seekers and small business owners across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, and …

The importance of the unified tourist visa for the GCC countries, which is scheduled to come into force at the end of this year, and its role in contributing to supporting the process of sustainable and comprehensive economic development, was highlighted at the Regional Committee for the Middle East of the United Nations Tourism Organisation in Qatar. The meeting included constructive discussions on tourism investments and means of financing, by stressing that Qatar is characterized by having an attractive investment environment for local and foreign investors, thanks to economic stability capable of withstanding challenges and achieving growth in GDP. Qatar has seen the establishment of more than 800 new businesses and the implementation of 135 FDI projects with a total value of $29.78 billion. In addition, Qatar Tourism is keen to achieve service excellence in all aspects of the tourism sector through close cooperation with public and private sector institutions in the country, which contributed to providing an attractive and exceptional experience for visitors. Qatar Tourism, chaired by HE President of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, is participating in the fiftieth meeting of the Regional Committee for the Middle East of the United Nations Tourism Organization, which was held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, and will continue until the 24th of this month. At the end of the meeting yesterday, it was announced that Qatar will host the next meeting of the Committee in its fifty-first edition. The selection of Doha to host the next meeting is an affirmation of Qatar’s role as a regional and global hub in cultural, economic and political exchange, thus enhancing cooperation between countries and contributing to the development of international relations, thus …

With a strong leisure-focused pipeline in the Middle East, Hyatt’s brand portfolio goes from strength to strength in the region, including the expected debut of the luxury Grand Hyatt Kuwait and the luxury lifestyle Andaz Doha in Qatar.  At present, Hyatt’s portfolio in the Middle East currently includes 28 hotels, with an additional seven properties expected to open by the end of 2025. Hyatt anticipates rooms growth of more than 80% in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by late 2025, with the expected additions of Park Hyatt Riyadh Diriyah Gate, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea and the highly anticipated debut of Miraval The Red Sea, which will mark the luxury wellness brand’s first resort outside of the U.S., further strengthening Hyatt’s portfolio. This expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be in addition to the current portfolio of six hotels including Hyatt Regency Riyadh-Olaya, Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania, and Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street. “This ambitious development portfolio showcases our aim to grow our brands with intent as well as our commitment to strategic investments across the Middle East. This market remains a key focus for Hyatt, and one where we continue to observe a growing demand,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President Development Middle East & Africa for Hyatt International. “The diversity of Hyatt’s brands, united through the World of Hyatt loyalty program, allows us to showcase unique experiences to a variety of travellers across the region. Whether our guests and members are seeking the classic luxury travel experience, modern lifestyle, or select-service offerings, each of our brands delivers our standard of excellence.” Hyatt recently reported second quarter 2022 financial results, which reflected strength in the company’s …