Egypt’s hospitality sector witnesses a historic moment as the first cohort graduates from an innovative employability programme, signaling a transformative shift in the industry's dynamics. Spearheaded by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance in collaboration with local partners, this initiative aims to enhance youth employment opportunities and foster inclusivity, thereby reshaping the sector's landscape.

Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition," the programme is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Operating under the brand 'Invest for Jobs,' the initiative seeks to create quality jobs in African partner countries and improve local working conditions.

The success of this pioneering project hinges on its collaborative approach, engaging closely with hotels, food and beverage businesses, training partners, and non-profit organizations to address employment barriers, especially for young individuals, including women.

Operating initially in Cairo and Hurghada, the programme’s inaugural graduation ceremony, held at Le Méridien Hotel Airport, Cairo, marked a significant milestone. Attendees from prominent hotel chains such as Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and others celebrated the achievements of 50 graduates. The training, spanning three weeks of soft skills development and two months of practical experience within hotels, equipped participants for roles across various departments, including bars, restaurants, reception, and housekeeping.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said “This initiative has had a tangible positive effect on local communities. I'm thrilled to congratulate the graduates, who've shown exceptional drive and leadership. This program will undoubtedly serve as a model for future employment initiatives in Egypt and globally.”

Felix Fach, Consultant GIZ, said “We congratulate the students on their graduation and are delighted the programme has had such a positive impact on the local communities.  We look forward to following the graduates progress as they embark on their careers and hope to welcome more prospective students.”

Magdy Anis, General Manager of St. Regis Cairo, “Congratulations to all graduates and partners for a great achievement.  We are honoured to be part of this project as it represents Marriott International's commitment to promote social justice, empower women, support their growth, and open up major opportunities for underrepresented populations in our country. By making investments in its growth, we hope to make Egypt's hospitality sector more prosperous and inclusive in the future.”

Karim Shawar, Head of Programmes at Etijah, said “We are very grateful to everyone who contributed and cooperated in creating these opportunities, and we aspire to create more opportunities for the participating youth through our collaboration.”

This initiative is part of the Alliance’s broader efforts to address systemic issues within specific destinations, with a focus on scalability and replication across the industry.

As Egypt’s youth step into the workforce equipped with newfound skills and opportunities, the programme stands as a beacon of hope, driving positive change in the country's hospitality landscape.