New Saudi-Swiss Partnership Aims to Enhance Education in Tourism and Hospitality

Saudi-Swiss Partnership Aims to Enhance Education in Tourism and Hospitality

Under the esteemed guidance of His Excellency Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, a groundbreaking partnership was announced during the "TOURISE 2025" Summit in Riyadh. This collaboration between Sommet Education and Tanmeya Capital aims at cultivating national talent and establishing a robust educational ecosystem focused on tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts, in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions.

Overview of the Partnership

This strategic alliance combines the expertise of Tanmeya Capital, which manages the Tanmeya Hospitality & Tourism Fund (THTF)—an impressive SAR600 million investment fund dedicated to developing Saudi talent and vital infrastructure in the hospitality sector — with the global educational prowess of Sommet Education, home to renowned institutions such as Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education.

Under an exclusive 25-year agreement, this partnership is set to develop and operate a cutting-edge educational framework that will provide both Saudi and international talents with world-class skills relevant to the growing demands of the tourism and service industries in Saudi Arabia. The initiative also aims at creating high-quality employment opportunities that are sustainable, thereby reinforcing the Kingdom’s status as a regional hub for hospitality education.

Goals and Impact of the Initiative

The overarching goal of this partnership is human capital development in the hospitality and tourism sectors, which is pivotal for the success of Vision 2030 as outlined by the Government of Saudi Arabia. Mohamed Musaiqer, the Chairman of Tanmeya Capital, emphasized that this collaboration showcases how purposeful partnerships—national and international alike—can yield significant social and economic benefits.

Moreover, Marie-Claude Mathieu, a board member of Sommet Education, highlighted that launching flagship campuses in Saudi Arabia reflects their mutual vision with partners to nurture talent, aiming to shape the future of excellence in hospitality and service.

This initiative represents a significant leap toward transforming Saudi Arabia into a knowledge-based economy by integrating public and private sectors along with global market expertise necessary for developing adept leaders ready to tackle the demands of the Kingdom’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry.

Future Prospects

During the summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Tanmeya Capital and Wadi Jeddah Company, which acts as the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University, exploring the establishment of a new campus in Jeddah. This particular development is indicative of the commitment to expanding educational offerings across the Kingdom, potentially elevating both local and international student engagement.

As seen through other successful educational models worldwide, this partnership is poised not only to enhance the skills and knowledge of Saudi nationals but also to attract a diverse pool of international students eager to immerse themselves in a rapidly evolving field. Thus, it underscores the importance of creating an ecosystem that fosters learning, innovation, and excellence in service.

In summary, the Saudi-Swiss partnership between Sommet Education and Tanmeya Capital heralds a new era in tourism and hospitality education, directly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives while ensuring a robust and sustainable future for its citizens and the broader region.