DTCM-AH&LA strategic tie-up for hospitality training programmes

Details of the arrangements were announced at a press conference held at the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates today,(September 6, 2006).

The agreement makes Training Solutions, the external training arm of the DTCM, the sole licensee for the training programmes and certification process of the EI-AH&LA in the UAE.

In his message, the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said, "The agreement will go a long way in delivering solutions to ensure a trained and efficient workforce throughout the tourism and hospitality sectors in the emirate. The development of tourism industry is in line with our vision to position Dubai as the leading tourism destination and commercial hub in the world. We will be working with the tourism industry to assess their needs and provide them the required training and development solutions."

He said the DTCM, through this affiliation, wants to bring a high quality of teaching material and course development to the professional development of hospitality workers and management and to ensure that the profession is continually improving through effective training.

Mr. David Lechter, Vice President International, EI-AH&LA, said: "DTCM will be sub-licensing to selected, well-qualified training schools to deliver the courses of EI-AH&LA. The DTCM will be offering a wide selection of courses leading to EI-AH&LA certification at its training facility at the Dubai Cruise Terminal."

The EI-AH&LA has more than 120 licensed affiliates in 45 countries and holds exclusive license agreements in 17 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Dubai presently has 409 hotel and hotel apartments, offering 40,000 rooms and furnished flats. Last year, Dubai played host to 6.2 million hotel guests, an increase of 14 % over the previous year. In the first quarter of 2006, 1.7 million guests enjoyed their stay in Dubai hotel and hotel apartments, up by seven per cent.

The DTCM Manager Human Resources and Training Solutions, Mr. Ibrahim Yaqoot, said, "The DTCM will be working with the tourism industry in Dubai and outside to meet the workforce training and development needs. DTCM will be offering a variety of courses to suit the requirements of the industry. An efficient and trained workforce will help achieve the goals set for the Dubai tourism."

Training Solutions provides specific training solutions for the tourism sector to ensure that Dubai continues its world-class tourism development with world-class people involved at all levels. Training Solutions is also the main driver behind the Concierge of the Year Competition and Receptionist of the Year annual competitions. The number of tourism industry professionals trained by the DTCM was more than 1000 in 2005 from mere 94 in 1997.

In February, the DTCM became a certified international examination centre for the International Diploma in Travel and Tourism offered by the prestigious University of Cambridge UK.