Southern Sun hosts top calibre students of annual DSS Apprenticeship Programme

World Travel Awards' Leading Hotel Brand in Africa, Southern Sun's Qamardeen Hotel will become the second home for students as they complete their apprenticeship for DSS, a programme that was cited by the jury that awarded the Dubai Shopping Festival Office the Travel & Tourism Award at the 2008 IPRA Golden World Awards that took place on June 10, 2008 in London.

From four universities in two countries in 2006, the DSS Apprenticeship Programme now caters to more than 30 higher education institutions in nine markets in the Middle East & North Africa, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt. And for the first time this year, the programme marks a major milestone as it takes the first step towards globalizing the programme with the first non-Arab student coming from the United Kingdom.

Richard Weilers, Managing Director, Southern Sun Middle East said:

'The continuing partnership between DSS and Southern Sun highlight's the hotel's commitment to supporting Dubai's tourism efforts through the apprenticeship programme. This initiates a new vibrancy to DSS as it incorporates the ideas of young people from various parts of the region, and now the UK, as to how to enhance the event's appeal to a growing international audience. We're delighted to be a partner in this laudable initiative by ensuring that the students have a comfortable and leisurely time during their stay.'

Qamardeen Hotel, which offers 186 well-appointed rooms, including 13 luxury suites and a host of amenities and recreational facilities, will become the students' sanctuary during their challenging two-week internship.

In addition to providing luxurious accommodation for the students, the hotel also provides complimentary wireless internet access for all rooms where students can keep in touch with their families back home. A round-the-clock business centre and WiFi facilities in public areas also provide additional support during times when the apprentices need to brainstorm on new ideas or work through their reports and assignments.

Dubai Shopping Festival Office Marketing Manager Khulood Al Thani said:

'This year, we have expanded the programme's coverage to include a student from the UK, a step towards globalizing DSS to attract more tourists and visitors to Dubai all year round. We are thankful to partners like Southern Sun, whose support has made this possible.'

Southern Sun's successful foray into the UAE marked the beginning of the hotel chain's rapid expansion in the Middle East. It recently secured rights to manage and operate exciting new projects including the 5-star Deluxe Plantation Hotel and Spa, Plantation Residences, The Holly Bolly Hotel and Resort as well as Eva Hotel and Sun Square Desert Towers in Abu Dhabi.