The Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub was officially launched in Egypt at a high-profile event in Cairo. In a vibrant launch event held at the Triumph Plaza Hotel, over 100 industry leaders, government representatives, and digital learning experts gathered to mark the beginning of this ambitious initiative. Developed by SPARK in collaboration with EYouth and with support from Google.org, the platform is set to equip 25,000 individuals across the MENA region with the skills needed to excel in the tourism sector. This initiative comes at a crucial time as Egypt continues to modernise its tourism industry and adapt to global digital trends.
The event highlighted Egypt’s commitment to strengthening its tourism workforce through digital innovation. As one of the country’s most vital economic sectors, tourism relies on a skilled workforce that can adapt to evolving market demands and technological advancements. Discussions emphasized how e-learning can bridge skills gaps, enhance employability, and support businesses in delivering high-quality services. By equipping professionals with digital skills, the initiative aims to build resilience and support long-term growth in an industry that is a key driver of Egypt’s economy.
Key moments from the event
A lineup of distinguished speakers set the tone for the day, with keynote addresses from Mohamed El Shamy, Industry Head of Large Customer Sales at Google Egypt, Mustafa Abd Ellatif, CEO and Co-founder of EYouth, and Dina Almasaeid, Regional Programme Director at SPARK. Their speeches underscored the importance of digital skills in shaping the future of tourism and empowering professionals in an increasingly digital economy. One of the highlights of the day was the panel discussion, “Harnessing Digital Skills to Transform Egypt’s Tourism Industry”, featuring leading experts from the sector. Dr. Soha Bahgat, Training Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities – Egypt, Hany Abdelkawi, Head of Travel Sales at Google, and Ahmed Yehia Ismail, Founder & CEO of Eco Nubia, explored the ways in which technology is reshaping tourism. Moderated by Dr. Nagla Harb, the conversation delved into workforce development, digital marketing, and the role of e-learning in ensuring sustainable industry growth.
Real impact: stories from learners
Two learners, Rahma Ahmed and Mohnnad Ossama, shared their experiences with the Maharat for Tourism platform. They spoke about how the e-learning hub had transformed their skills and career prospects, reinforcing the impact of accessible, high-quality training in the industry. Their inspiring journeys demonstrated the potential of digital education in bridging skill gaps and opening new opportunities.
A collaborative effort driving change
The success of this initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between key partners who played a fundamental role in its development and implementation. SPARK, EYouth, and UPTITUDE worked closely together to design and launch the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub, with UPTITUDE’s team, under the leadership of Slim Tlatli, ensuring the platform met the highest standards of accessibility and effectiveness. Their collective expertise and dedication have brought this initiative to life, providing a valuable resource for the tourism workforce.
Dina Almasaeid, Regional Programme Director at SPARK, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating “Investing in people is the foundation of sustainable economic growth, but this is only possible through strong partnerships. With Google.org, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism, through Maharat for Tourism Programme, we are building a more supportive ecosystem for sustainable tourism development.”
The Ministry of Tourism has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, recognising its potential to modernise workforce training and enhance industry resilience. With the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub now live in both English and Arabic, professionals and job seekers have access to a tailored learning experience that equip them with essential digital skills. This platform is set to play a crucial role in bridging skills gaps, advancing career development, and strengthening the tourism sector as a whole.