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Maharat for Tourism launch in KSA
Your passport to tourism innovation
Maharat for Tourism
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4Learning tracks
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0Enrolled learner
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0Graduated
The Middle East and North Africa region is witnessing a surge in tourism, but challenges persist due to inadequate state-level frameworks, post-COVID-19 recovery and entry barriers faced by marginalised groups, such as women and minorities. Despite nascent markets, there is substantial growth potential within the travel and tourism sector.
The emerging trend of green and sustainable tourism presents an opportunity for an inclusive and resilient tourism sector throughout the region, particularly in low-income and rural areas where tourism is a high value sector.
The Maharat for Tourism programme, supported by Google.org, supports young people throughout Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and the Palestinian territories. The programme supports job seekers and small and medium-sized business owners to enhance their existing job skills within the travel and tourism sector, particularly through digital and soft skills training. Additionally, government policymakers are supported to create more enabling regulatory environments for productive tourism sectors in their regions.
With a particular focus on women and minorities, who currently have the lowest income and job participation in the MENA region, the programme offers a pathway to create sustainable livelihoods within the travel and tourism sector.
- Active locations
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Palestinian Territories
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Tunisia
- Lebanon
- Donors
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Maharat for Tourism
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What is Maharat for Tourism?
How is Maharat for Tourism different?
Extensive reach and engagement
The programme aims to engage 25,000 learners through both in-person meetups and an online platform, promoting sustainable and green tourism practices. It covers a wide geographical area, including additional countries like Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, and potentially Yemen and Libya.
Comprehensive curriculum delivery
The programme supports learners through recruitment, onboarding, digital tools, and learning circles. This ensures participants are job-ready and equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the tourism sector.
Custom digital training
The programme includes five parallel curricula available as open-source, online learning platforms in Arabic. This digital training is accessible through SPARK’s website and workshops across the MENA region.
Innovative solutions for tourism sector challenges
The programme addresses gaps in knowledge and skills, promotes sustainable tourism, and provides state officials, SMEs, and entrepreneurs with the tools needed to adapt to climate issues and new business opportunities.
Localised learning circles
The programme incorporates localised learning circles that foster community-based learning. These in-person meetups allow learners to share experiences, gain support from peers, and receive encouragement from local authority representatives, creating a holistic and supportive learning environment tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Data-driven support and monitoring
Learners’ progress and engagement are monitored through advanced digital tools and data analytics. This approach provides personalised support and insights into learners’ interactions with the platform, ensuring that they receive the necessary guidance and resources to succeed. This data-driven approach helps optimise the training process and addresses individual learning needs effectively.
