Accor KSA has initiated, in collaboration with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), the Saudi Management Training Program (SMTP), a 15-month program designed for Saudi nationals.

The SMTP is set to continue with a new session scheduled for October targeting a Saudi national women audience. The program's curriculum will include — as was the case in the November 2013 session — an academic section complemented by a practical training section, spread out over a period of 15 months.

On Tuesday (March 10), Accor organized a graduation ceremony in Riyadh — hosting, in addition to the graduated trainees, senior executives from Accor: Jean-Jacques Dessors, CEO Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa; Christophe Landais, COO Middle East; Salah Oumouden, VP of KSA & Egypt; Amar Belgat, training and HR director Saudi Arabia & Egypt, along with senior members of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and the French Embassy.

In his speech, Christophe Landais, COO ACCOR Middle East, said: "At Accor, we are committed to a CSR strategy worldwide. Our ambition is linking cultures and providing support for the development of individuals and their contribution to their community advancement. Regarding SMTP, it is a milestone in our CSR strategy for the ME and Saudi Arabia. Our primary objective was not only to offer more job opportunities for Saudi nationals, but to empower young Saudis.

Oumouden stated that Accor as a leading hospitality group has a responsibility toward local communities. There is a dedicated Saudi CSR coordinator in every hotel responsible to organize events aiming to support the local community.

Belgat said: “The SMTP is of great importance to us, since we encourage Saudi nationals to join the hospitality industry and look forward to overseeing their career development, in view of their integration in our management team in the future.”