Under a strategic partnership between Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, and the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, the “Tamayyaz by Accor” program seeks to offer fresh graduates and talented individuals a clear path for career advancement in the hospitality sector.
“The ‘Tamayyaz by Accor’ program was inspired by our commitment to empowering the local workforce and fostering sustainable development in the hospitality sector. It aligns with my vision and Accor’s mission by creating a skilled talent pool that is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the industry in Saudi Arabia. Our aim is to provide unparalleled opportunities for Saudi nationals, contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of diversification and economic growth,” said Paul Stevens, chief operating officer, Middle East, Turkiye and Africa, Accor.
He said the strategic partnership with the Tourism Ministry is a cornerstone of the company’s efforts to support the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism goals.
“It signifies a mutual commitment to nurturing a vibrant hospitality ecosystem, leveraging Accor’s global expertise and the Ministry’s insights into local development needs. By consolidating our efforts, this collaboration is set to catalyze significant advancements in the sector, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading tourism destination,” he added.
Accor has 34 operating hotels in Saudi Arabia, and 13 properties (+2,900 keys) are in the pipeline by 2027. In 2022, the company laid the foundation of the program by signing an MoU with the ministry to develop and hire more than 3,000 national talents across its properties over a span of five years.
“The partnership directly addresses the industry’s need for skilled professionals who are adept at delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. By combining Accor’s global hospitality standards with the Ministry’s deep understanding of the local market, we aim to develop a workforce that is capable of propelling the Saudi tourism and hospitality industry forward, aligning with the nation’s strategic objectives,” Stevens said.
The main objectives of “Tamayyaz by Accor” include talent development, job creation, career progression clarity to fresh graduates and supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. Additionally, the program is dedicated to supporting the acceleration of high-potential talents’ growth.
The program is structured into various tracks catering to different areas of the hospitality industry, from front office and housekeeping to hotel management and digital marketing. Each track is designed to offer in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring participants gain a holistic understanding of the sector. Apart from prioritizing the recruitment of fresh graduates for entry-level positions in the hospitality industry, Accor is also committed to advancing existing employees to supervisory and leadership roles.
“As Accor continues to grow its presence in Saudi Arabia, we envision the ‘Tamayyaz by Accor’ program expanding in scale and scope. In anticipation of new jobs that do not exist today, ‘Tamayyaz by Accor’ will be the front-runner program, actively envisioning and preparing for these novel roles. Our aim is to continuously adapt and enhance the program to meet the evolving needs of the industry and the aspirations of Saudi youth,” Stevens said. The program’s launch kicks off with 10 pilot hotels located in Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah, and Riyadh, completing the first phase in Q3 this year. It will be rolled out across all Accor hotels by year-end.