Radisson Hotel Group has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the next generation of Saudi hospitality leaders through its participation in the Ministry of Tourism’s newly launched Hospitality Ambassadors Program, an initiative designed to equip Saudi talent with international operational and leadership experience through overseas placements at leading global hotels.
As one of the participating international hotel groups, Radisson Hotel Group is supporting the Ministry’s vision of building a globally competitive hospitality workforce by providing structured international learning opportunities for Saudi hospitality professionals. The program combines on-the-job training, leadership development, and cross-cultural exposure, enabling participants to gain firsthand experience in world-class hotel operations before applying their learning within the Kingdom.
Radisson Hotel Group currently has 33 participants from 14 hotels across Saudi Arabia enrolled in the program. Of these, 17 participants are undertaking the Functional Leadership Track, while 16 are undertaking the Organizational Leadership Track, reflecting the Group’s commitment to developing talent in both operational expertise and future leadership capabilities.
As part of the first phase, 13 participants have already commenced international placements across Radisson Hotel Group properties in France, Belgium and Spain, where they will complete a two-month cross-exposure program. During this period, participants will rotate through key hotel departments while receiving leadership mentoring and exposure to international hospitality best practices before returning to Saudi Arabia to implement their learnings within their respective hotels.
The Hospitality Ambassadors Program forms part of the Ministry of Tourism’s broader strategy to develop Saudi talent and strengthen the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem. Through structured international training, participants gain practical operational, leadership, and cultural competencies that support Saudi Vision 2030 and help elevate hospitality standards across the Kingdom.
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 Program, 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.”
Developing local talent remains a key pillar of Radisson Hotel Group’s long-term strategy in Saudi Arabia and the Hospitality Ambassadors Program complements the Group’s existing talent-development initiatives in Saudi Arabia, including A Brilliant Journey of Advanced Development (ABJAD) and the Concierge Navigation to Success Program. ABJAD supports Saudi nationals in supervisory positions by equipping them with the leadership skills, operational knowledge, and practical experience needed to progress into managerial roles. Built around the four pillars of Own, Deliver, Collaborate, and Lead, the program creates a structured pathway for emerging talent to advance their careers within the Group.
The Concierge Navigation to Success Program focuses on developing Saudi professionals working in concierge and guest-facing roles. Through specialist training, mentoring, and practical exposure, participants strengthen their service expertise, cultural knowledge, and ability to create memorable guest experiences. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Radisson Hotel Group’s long-term approach to talent development, supporting Saudi professionals at different stages of their careers and building a strong pipeline of operational specialists and future hospitality leaders.
###
ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.
The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson—brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.
Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 29 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.
At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.
The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.
For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | WhatsApp | X
