Maharat for Tourism

4

Learning tracks
9,168

Enrolled learner
6,532

Completed Courses

The MENA 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.

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 job seekers and small and medium-sized business owners throughout Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the Palestinian territories to enhance their existing job skills within the travel and tourism sector, particularly through digital and soft skills training. Additionally, government policymakers are supported in creating 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.

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Maharat for Tourism launch in KSA

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Maharat for Tourism

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What is Maharat for Tourism?

Reimagining Tourism Panel - IGNITE Amman 2024

8 Reasons why you should join the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub

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.