MARRIOTT BUZZ NO. 14 - 2018

18 With the launch of Tahseen, the world’s leading hotel company Marriott International has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the future prospects of the tourism and hospitality markets in Egypt. Tahseen is a unique and tailor-made hospitality education program developed in response to a growing need for professional capabilities within the industry established in collaboration with Helwan University and the Professional Development Foundation (PDF). President and CEO of Marriott International, Arne Sorenson, was present during the official launch event of Tahseen during his brief visit to Egypt. Sorenson remarked that “Marriott International is a company that believes in putting people first and we are committed to giving our associates the world class training and the opportunity to grow and reach their potential, both personally and professionally.” Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director (MEA) emphasized Marriott International’s constant commitment to this vision saying “over the last four decades we have worked hard to consciously develop local talent and prepare them to become future leaders in hospitality.” Kyriakidis aptly noted that “hospitality comes naturally to Egyptians, we therefore saw an opportunity and felt the need to play a more active role in the development of local talent in a formal and structured manner.” Tahseen was first launched by Marriott International in Saudi Arabia last year and received glowing praise and encouraging initial results, which consequently paved the way for a wider regional rollout. Marriott International views Egypt as a strategic growth market with its extensive national portfolio, and has therefore prioritized it in these efforts. Professor Maged Negm, President of Helwan University, heaped praise on the program’s upcoming inauguration by saying “we are very excited to partner with Marriott International to develop a program that is unique to Egypt and helps us bridge the gap between hospitality education and the need of the industry.” Negm reiterated the commitment of the Egyptian government in tandem with influential employers like Marriott International in the private sector, to improve and boost tourism and standard of hospitality in the country. Also remarking on the occasion was Mr. Mohammed Farouk Hafeez, Chairman of the PDF who said “together we will be able to make a valuable contribution in creating a successful and sustainable program that not only empowers our youth by increasing their employability but also enables them to make a smooth and seamless transition into the professional world.” Tahseen will also serve as a desirable new facet of Marriott International’s recently introduced sustainability and social impact platform Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction. This overarching companywide program is aimed at guiding the manner in which the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. S E R V E 3 6 0 Tahseen Hospitality Training Program Underscores Marriott International’s Commitment to Egyptian Market