KSA: Owner-operator, Ascott, will support the kingdom’s Saudisation endeavour with its training programmes that are aimed at helping locals achieve managerial positions.
Ascott’s Serviced Residence Manager Programme (SRMP) runs across Ascott properties worldwide, and prepares staff members to enter more managerial positions in hospitality.
The 33-week programme involves classroom-based learning, along with on-site training and mentoring, with successful candidates being offered a senior role.
Vincent Miccolis, Ascott regional general manager for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said: “As the group continues to enjoy unprecedented growth, it’s vital we plan ahead by equipping our high-potential middle management staff with the skills profile they will need to one day manage and operate an Ascott serviced residence.”
He continued: “From theoretical background in finance management to fine-tuning their housekeeping, guest service, operations and leadership skills, the SRMP course has been strategically designed to transform our most promising hospitality talent into the future leaders of Ascott.”
A similar programme, the Saudi Graduate Programme, trains Saudi nationals in the skills they need to take on managerial leadership positions within the Ascott group. The company plans to roll out the programme across all Ascott properties in the Kingdom.
Miccolis added: “These are exciting times in Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom gradually embracing a historic series of cultural reforms. As the nation pushes ahead with Saudisation and the Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s tourism industry is evolving at a rapid pace and creating a wealth of new jobs within the hospitality sector.”
The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company with a portfolio spanning over 180 cities across more than 30 countries.
Its serviced residence and hotel brands include Ascott, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, Citadines, Connect, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Fox, Yellow and POP!
Ascott recently opened the 172-room Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, marking the group’s sixth property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p
