Spark, Google, Parachute 16 partner in Maharat for Tourism skills development program

MENA – Multinational cross-sector development organization Spark has partnered with fellow development organization Parachute 16 and tech giant Google to launch the Maharat for Tourism meant to impart skills and foster collaboration in the sector.

The program offers tourism-centric training in AI adoption, useful soft skills, and advanced digital tools.

It will also collaborate with governments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to improve tourism regulatory frameworks in the region.

Spark and Google developed the Maharat for Tourism E-learning Hub, an online training platform providing virtual training meant to cater to different sub-segments of the tourism sector.

Courses include modules on government tourism strategies and policies for policymakers, as well as courses designed for small business owners on managing SMEs in the tourism sector.

The initiative also features modules on experiential tourism operations and event planning and design, aimed at job seekers looking to enter the tourism industry.

The program is intended to support 25,000 potential employees and MSMEs across the region- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories.

The initiative kicked off with an event at the garage venue in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. The event attracted over 100 guests, including MSMEs, government officials, and job seekers in the sector.

The program will run until the end of 2025, featuring a series of workshops, events, and meetups.

Dina Al Masaeid, Spark’s Regional Programme Director-ME said, “Through the Maharat for Tourism program, we aim to contribute to creating sustainable and impactful job opportunities within the tourism sector by providing training in digital tools, artificial intelligence, and essential soft skills.”

“We will also collaborate with governments to help create better regulatory frameworks for tourism, with the goal of building a tourism sector that’s more sustainable, diverse, and prosperous for all.”

Charbel Sarkis, KSA Country Director at Google also welcomed the launch, reiterating the importance of technology in driving growth in the tourism sector.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting employment opportunities in the sector through imparting what it describes as necessary AI and digital skills.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE