Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar launched its professional hotelier program (PHP), a special undertaking by the learning and development teams of Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in Saudi Arabia.

The program is designed to give each of its local calibers a head start working with the brand, providing essential learning in being a professional hotelier.

“The PHP is part of the development path prepared for each Saudi employee in our hotel,” said Hussain Al-Mowail, HR manager of Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar.

“The conceptualization and preparation of the curriculum began in 2014 and is in line with our learning and development framework. It has been tailored in harmony with our local culture to assist participants in adopting effectively our Saudization employment strategies.”

The program is made up of eight modules in accordance with company values. Each topic provides learning insights into becoming an effective and successful hotelier, from the importance of time management and benefits of teamwork to administering world-class service and valuing cultural diversity.

Markus Marti, GM of Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar, said: “We’re very enthusiastic to partner with our Saudi employees in their professional and personal development. Attracting, training and retaining local talents like them are important for us and the entire Movenpick Hotels & Resorts team in Saudi Arabia. To date, we represent the largest presence in the Middle East, with currently nine hotels and two more to open soon in Riyadh and Jeddah. As we continue to expand, we’d like to see them grow their career with us and become future leaders.”

Staged at Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar’s Al Massah Conference Room on May 31, the launch was organized by Kaiser Raja, assistant learning and development manager of the hotel, and attended by Saudi employees and guests of honor from the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) and Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).