In a pioneering initiative among global hotel management companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts Egypt has signed its largest unified agreement to date, partnering with 30 colleges and higher institutes specializing in tourism and hospitality. This collaboration is designed to deliver an extensive, year-round training program that combines practical experience with personal soft skills development, marking a major leap forward in Egypt’s tourism and hospitality education sector.
Nermine Zakaria, Area Director of Learning & Development for Egypt and Africa, shared her perspective on the importance of IHG Academy’s impact, “Our commitment is not only to provide students with training but to inspire a new generation of hospitality professionals who are skilled, confident, and ready to lead. Through immersive experiences and hands-on learning at IHG properties, we ensure that these students are equipped with the necessary tools to excel and bring innovation to Egypt’s hospitality industry.”
This year, 373 students have graduated from the program, with 50% of them being women, showcasing IHG Hotels’ dedication to diversity and inclusion. Through IHG Academy, we aim to prepare skilled and capable talent for Egypt’s hospitality industry in alignment with the objectives of Egypt 2030 Vision. The program, structured over a two-month intensive training period, immerses students in real-world experience at the various IHG properties in Egypt, ensuring they are well-prepared for a professional career upon graduation.
The initiative also includes specialized workshops for 14 assistant professors from academic institutions, providing them with the latest trends in hospitality and storytelling techniques to pass on to future students, further enhancing the impact of the program on hospitality education.
Nasser Fadly, Area Director of Human Resources Egypt & Africa, highlighted the strategic value of the program, stating “This collaboration with Egypt’s leading educational institutions goes beyond training; it’s about elevating the standards of hospitality education in the region. By aligning our initiatives with the industry’s evolving needs and standards, we’re fostering a pipeline of future professionals who can meet market demands and drive growth across Egypt’s tourism sector.”
During the graduation celebration for 2024 IHG Academy cohort, Dieter Franke, Regional Director for IHG Hotels Egypt and North Africa, reflected on the program’s long-term vision and community impact, noting “This partnership represents a vital part of our responsibility to the communities where we operate. By supporting and nurturing the next generation of Egyptian hospitality talent, we are investing in a sustainable future for tourism in Egypt. The Academy allows us to give back, strengthen industry resilience, and create new pathways for growth, both for IHG and the wider tourism landscape in Egypt.”
IHG Egypt remains the only hotel group in Egypt graduating such a significant number of students annually, reflecting its commitment to community responsibility. The graduation event marked the completion of the program’s first two cohorts, totaling 430 students, and was attended by distinguished academics, deans of participating colleges, IHG Egypt General Managers, and industry experts.
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