Radisson Hotel Group has strengthened its commitment to developing Saudi hospitality professionals by joining the Ministry of Tourism's newly launched Hospitality Ambassadors Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping Saudi nationals with international operational and leadership experience.

As one of the participating global hotel groups, Radisson is providing structured overseas learning opportunities that combine practical training, leadership development and cross-cultural exposure.

The programme is designed to help participants gain experience at internationally recognised hotels before returning to Saudi Arabia to apply their knowledge and support the Kingdom's growing tourism sector.

Radisson currently has 33 participants from 14 hotels across Saudi Arabia enrolled in the initiative.

Of these, 17 are following the Functional Leadership Track, while 16 are undertaking the Organisational Leadership Track, reflecting the company's focus on developing both operational expertise and future leaders.

In the programme's first phase, 13 participants have begun two-month placements at Radisson properties in France, Belgium and Spain.

During the overseas assignments, participants will rotate through key hotel departments, receive leadership mentoring and gain exposure to international hospitality best practices before returning to their roles in Saudi Arabia.

The Hospitality Ambassadors Programme forms part of the Ministry of Tourism's wider strategy to strengthen the Kingdom's tourism workforce and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by developing local talent with global experience.

Basel Talal, Managing Director, KSA, Kuwait & Levant, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “People are at the heart of hospitality, and investing in talent is one of the most important investments we can make. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Tourism on the Hospitality Ambassadors Programme, which provides Saudi hospitality professionals with valuable international experience while strengthening the future leadership of our industry. By combining global best practices with the Kingdom’s renowned culture of hospitality, we are helping develop the next generation of leaders who will shape Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector for years to come.”

The initiative complements Radisson Hotel Group's existing talent development programmes in Saudi Arabia, including A Brilliant Journey of Advanced Development (ABJAD) and the Concierge Navigation to Success Programme.

ABJAD prepares Saudi supervisors for management positions through leadership training, operational development and practical experience, while the Concierge Navigation to Success Programme enhances the skills of guest-facing employees through specialised training, mentoring and service excellence initiatives. -TradeArabia News Service