After some 60 hours of deliberation in meetings, seminars and brainstorming sessions, the Egyptian Tourism Federation`s Chairman Elhamy El-Zayat, its board…
After some 60 hours of deliberation in meetings, seminars and brainstorming sessions, the Egyptian Tourism Federation`s Chairman Elhamy El-Zayat, its board and committee members, and employees, have finalized the ETF`s Vision and Mission statements and have set targets for the coming decade.
Guided by Dr. Hesham Sadek, an expert in the human resources field and president of Integrated Education Solutions, the ETF members were able to define foreseeable objectives, conduct a full SWOT and TOWS analysis and present systematic strategies – all of which will also help in defining job descriptions and identifying new positions.
At a conference held on September 4, Dr. Sadek presented the outcome – on behalf of the ETF chairman and the board members – to the Minister of Tourism Ahmed El Maghraby, members of the tourism council and other industry heavyweights. Following the presentation, discussions centered on the overall development of the industry, and the tourism minister expressed the efforts of all involved was clearly evident and that he was impressed with what he believes to be achievable targets.
Planning a Vocation
Wednesday 31 August marked the cornerstone setting of the Egyptian Tourism Federation`s Vocation Training Center to be built in the 6 October City.
Egypt`s Minister of Tourism Ahmed El Maghraby; Dr. Fayza Aboul Naga, Minister of International Cooperation; Dr. Fathy Saad, Governor of Giza; Ahmed El-Khadem, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority; Dr. Hany Seif El Nasr, Chairman of the Social Fund; and other industry officials, gathered to commemorate the commencement of constructing the planned 24,720sqm (approx.) training complex which is to be built within some 5 acres of land.
In his presentation speech, El-Zayat declared that the project – initiated at the ETF a couple of years ago by, the then chairman, El Maghraby and other ETF members – is scheduled for completion in 24 months.
El-Zayat continued that the center – which will be managed by a highly professional veteran, under the direct supervision of the ETF – aims to prepare fresh graduates with relevant occupational experience and will offer training for; individuals already working in the industry, those switching to a new career path, nationals from Arab countries, and is even set to train the trainer. Although the duration of courses will vary, the syllabus will generally consist of 2-3 month intensive courses and 1-2 year vocational courses.
El-Zayat also stated that funding for the actual center will be provided by the ETF, the tourism chambers, the ministry of tourism, donations and long-term loans (with the help of the Ministry of Collaboration), while funds for the actual training sessions will come from the trainee, his/her referral institute, the social fund, international funding bodies, the 1% allocated for training by the labor law and profit gained as result of selling services. Also during the event, El-Zayat, on behalf of the ETF, and Dr. Seif El Nasr, also signed a protocol agreement for the low interest-rate fund that will contribute to the training facilities.
The concept for a vocational training center is not to gain financial profit but to maximize vocational training for students by providing them with practical experience required to enter the tourism workforce. In addition, full use will be made of all headquarter facilities. Trainee chefs will prepare cuisine served in the restaurants and the meals will be reasonably priced and a home delivery service will be available – the proceeds of which will contribute towards training finances.
Ahmed El-Nahas, former president of Hilton International Middle East and Africa and the current vice chairman of the ETF, is the designated chairman of the interim board, which is responsible for overseeing the development stages of the project. The board, is currently looking at several European based organizations specializing in the management of similar training centers, including: Societe Francaise D`Exportation des Ressources Educatives (France) ; International Development Ireland Ltd. (Ireland); Swiss Holiday Homes (Switzerland); and Australia`s Victoria University. All companies have had success in the past promoting tourism and have numerous technical staff with experience throughout the tourism industry. Their expertise in the field is crucial, especially with regard to technical assistance, management and training. The committee will evaluate the various offers during the course of the coming months.
The Sky`s The Limit
On behalf of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has completed a six month study which explores Egypt`s Travel and Tourism industry. Submitted by WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten and ThinkTur Managing Director and GrupoTAP Board Director Luis Correia da Silva on August 31, the 66 page report – which calls for more transport liberalization policies – is currently being reviewed by industry officials in Egypt.
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