Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Career Guidance and Student Counselling, celebrated the successful conclusion of the first edition of the “Summer Camp” — a unique initiative aimed at introducing school students to real-world career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Held over 10 days, the program welcomed 50 students from grades 10 and 11, who participated in a series of immersive activities, including site visits to various OMRAN Group-affiliated entities across sectors such as hospitality, tourism experiences, and visitor services. In addition, the students took part in interactive workshops and career guidance sessions, providing them with valuable exposure to professional work environments and deepening their understanding of the tourism industry. The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Professor Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, and attended by Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, along with a number of officials from both sides. Maha Al Farsi, HR Business Partner at OMRAN Group, said: “We’re pleased with the success of the first edition of the summer camp, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Vocational Guidance Centre. We were truly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and commitment throughout the program. The camp offered a practical learning experience that introduced participants to the key pillars and diverse fields of the tourism sector. We believe initiatives like this play a vital role in building early career awareness and inspiring youth to explore the sector’s promising opportunities.” Mr. Zahran bin Nasser Al-Maghadri, Assistant Director of Studies and Entrepreneurship at the Vocational Guidance and Student Counseling Centre, Ministry of Education, stated: “The summer camp …
Read More »WTTC reveals pandemic’s heavy toll on women and youth in travel and tourism jobs
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism launched a new report revealing the stark impact of the pandemic on women and youth employment within the global Travel & Tourism sector. Almost 70 million people working in Travel & Tourism lost their jobs during the pandemic, but women and young people were disproportionately impacted because their roles were more likely to be in the worst affected areas such as hospitality and food services. While the sector has broadly seen a strong recovery, the ‘Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment’ report found it employed 42 million women and just over 16 million young people in 2022, notably lower than the 48.4 million women (-13%) and nearly 19 million young workers (15%) supported by the sector in 2019. While the sector remains a vital source of jobs for underrepresented groups, the report makes clear that more must be done to ensure an inclusive and equitable recovery. The report, which examines employment trends across 185 economies from 2019 to 2022, underscores the sector’s potential as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and social progress. It is critical that we learn from these hardships and implement measures to protect these groups from being disproportionately affected in future crises. According to the latest EIR data, in 2023, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution rose by 29.1% above pre-pandemic levels, outpacing the global average, which remained 4.1% below. Yet despite this economic rebound, the social recovery continued to lag, particularly for women and young people who remain more likely to be stuck in informal, part-time, or low-wage roles without security or growth potential. Julia …
Read More »Kuwait Airways concludes summer training program on aviation for youth
As part of its tireless efforts to encourage and promote youth, Kuwait Airways concluded its summer training programs, in cooperation and partnership with LOYAC and INJAZ, where the company hosted 44 male and female trainees consisting of university graduates and students, in an exceptional initiative to provide opportunities to train in the field of aviation. The company organized a ceremony to honor the trainees for their efforts and for their outstanding performance during the training period. The honoring ceremony was attended by the Acting Chairman of Kuwait Airways, Consultant Faisal Al-Gharib, the Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi, CEO of the INJAZ program, Ms. Laila Al-Mutairi and representative of LOYAC, Ms. Sara Al-Qallaf. In this regard, the Acting Chairman of Kuwait Airways, Consultant Faisal Al-Gharib welcomed the attendees and trainees and said, “We at Kuwait Airways are pleased to host the talents of young men and women and are honored to sponsor and encourage them, as we place our hope and aspirations in them as the pillars for the future of Kuwait.” While addressing the attendees, Consultant Faisal Al-Gharib added, “Since its establishment in 1954, Kuwait Airways has always been a platform for creative and ambitious talents. Over the past decades, the Blue Bird has made clear and tangible achievements, accomplishments, and progress, attained through the successive generations with their efforts, determination, and dedication.” Al-Gharib continued, “The National Carrier of the State of Kuwait attaches great importance to training its national cadres to attain success that it accompanies since the previous years, and as an integrated National Company is proud of its employees in keeping pace with the developments in the world of aviation.” Al-Gharib added, “Kuwait Airways has always …
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