ITB TALENT HUB: WHERE TOURISM TALENT MEETS OPPORTUNITY In 2026, the former CareerCenter becomes the ITB Talent Hub in Hall 4.1. This now has an even greater emphasis on skills development. Partners and exhibitors include the Federal Employment Agency, which is offering free job application photos and checks, plus numerous companies as co-exhibitors, among them AIDA, Robinson, Motel One and Premier Inn. The programme on the stand includes pitch sessions for vocational schools. The Lighthouse Stage will feature formats on alumni paths and career paths in the tourism industry, content on female leadership and a Masterslam on Thursday afternoon. In addition, the Travel Industry Club is hosting talks with managing directors from small and medium-sized enterprises under the slogan ’Mutmacher & Macherinnen’ (Encouragers & Doers), while a sustainability panel in cooperation with HWR Berlin will provide the latest outlook on responsible career paths. In the Next Generation Pitch competition, AIDA, A&O Hostel and Eurowings will set specific tasks for young professionals to work on in the space of three hours – including a pitch to the jury in the evening and prizes from the exhibitors. Reduced-rate tickets are available for trainees and students of all ages. Rounding off events will be Connexion Night, a joint networking event for young professionals organised by ITB Berlin, the German Tourism Association (BTW) and ’connected’, an agency that gives young professionals the opportunity to exchange ideas, network and celebrate.
Left and below: The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has become a regional leader in vocational training for the travel and tourism sector
The GCC: vision-led investment in tourism talent Across the GCC, governments are weaving human capital development into long term tourism strategies. Nowhere is this clearer than Saudi Arabia, where the kingdom’s Vision 2030 socio-economic transformation blueprint has overwhelmingly positive ramifications for the young workforce. A flagship initiative is the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality, a US$1 billion project due to open in 2027 at Qiddiya – a new destination where culture meets sport, and one of Saudi’s many ambitious giga projects. Combining vocational and academic pathways aligned with global standards in hospitality and events management, the school’s student centric model will serve domestic and international markets, supporting the kingdom’s goal to welcome 150 million tourists by 2030. It is also central to Saudi’s robust Saudisation policy, aimed at developing local talent for a sector historically reliant on expatriates. On the ground, Red Sea Global’s Vocational Training Programme has already graduated hundreds of Saudis into luxury resort roles, while the Boutique Group’s Diploma Programme, launched in 2025, partners with international hospitality schools to deliver world class curricula in Arabic
commercial career paths often overlooked in traditional hospitality degrees. The programme reflects a broader shift to industry co creation in education, preparing graduates to contribute from day one. The Alliance: youth empowerment through sustainability The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) ensures the industry not only develops talent but also drives inclusive and sustainable growth. Its Youth Employment Programme equips young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the skills, confidence and connections to build hospitality careers. Working with leading hotel companies, the Alliance supports pre-employment training that bridges education and the workplace, creating pathways to stable jobs worldwide. Since inception, the initiative has given thousands access to training and employment, addressing industry shortages while promoting long term careers. Through collaborations with NGOs, governments and hospitality schools, the Alliance nurtures life skills, technical training and work placements, positioning hospitality as both a career full of opportunities and a force for social impact.
| 93
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker