Saudi Arabia and Switzerland Forge Groundbreaking 25-Year Educational Partnership at TOURISE 2025 Summit in Riyadh to Transform Hospitality and Tourism Education, Empowering Future Leaders for Vision 2030

At the TOURISE 2025 Summit in Riyadh, a historic partnership was announced between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, marking the start of a groundbreaking 25-year educational collaboration. This alliance is designed to transform hospitality and tourism education in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals. Through this partnership, the two nations aim to empower future leaders in the hospitality and tourism sectors, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. The agreement brings together two powerful players: Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education, who will create a comprehensive educational ecosystem within the Kingdom.

By developing top-tier talent and fostering innovation, this collaboration is set to reshape the future of tourism education in Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a regional hub for excellence in the hospitality industry. This initiative promises long-lasting impact for both local and international talent.

A New Era for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Education

This monumental partnership marks the beginning of a new era for the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism education system. At the heart of the deal is a partnership that brings together two giants: Tanmeya Capital, a prominent player in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, and Sommet Education, a world leader in hospitality education. With a combined vision, they aim to develop the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals in Saudi Arabia, fostering the growth of national talent and preparing a skilled workforce to meet the increasing demands of the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism industry.

Tanmeya Capital will be spearheading the effort through its Tanmeya Hospitality & Tourism Fund (THTF), a SAR600 million (approximately 140 million euros) investment fund that is entirely dedicated to the growth of Saudi talent in the hospitality sector. The partnership with Sommet Education will ensure that local and international students alike can access world-class education and training, perfectly aligned with the Kingdom’s evolving needs in tourism and service industries.

Exclusive 25-Year Partnership to Build a Thriving Educational Ecosystem

The partnership between Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education is a 25-year commitment, which will see the establishment of a cutting-edge educational ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The deal includes the creation of multiple campuses across the Kingdom, aimed at training the next wave of leaders in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts. These initiatives will directly support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which prioritise the development of a highly skilled workforce to drive the country’s economic diversification and growth in tourism and hospitality sectors.

Sommet Education, the parent company of renowned institutions like Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education, brings invaluable expertise to this collaboration. Their vast network of educational institutions will provide students with the finest training in hospitality and culinary arts, ensuring that they graduate with globally recognised qualifications that meet the highest standards of the industry.

Advancing Human Capital: A Key Pillar of Vision 2030

The development of human capital in hospitality and tourism is one of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The new partnership directly addresses this objective by offering high-quality, sustainable employment opportunities and providing a pathway for both Saudi and international talent to succeed in the growing tourism and hospitality sectors. As Saudi Arabia becomes an increasingly popular travel destination, the demand for qualified professionals in the hospitality industry is set to skyrocket.

The partnership between Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education is a crucial step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to nurture talent, promote entrepreneurship, and equip the next generation of leaders with the skills they need to thrive in a fast-evolving global economy. By aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, this collaboration will play a pivotal role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for hospitality education, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the industry.

A Future-Focused Educational Approach

At the heart of this collaboration is the vision to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a globalised hospitality industry. The educational programs offered at the new Saudi campuses will cover a range of disciplines, including hotel management, culinary arts, event planning, and tourism services. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector, which is poised for unprecedented growth in the coming years.

The integration of cutting-edge technology and digital tools will also be a key component of the educational framework, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the modern hospitality landscape. As part of this collaboration, Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education will work together to create a state-of-the-art infrastructure for training, ensuring that students have access to the best facilities, equipment, and resources available.

Memorandum of Understanding: A Strategic Agreement with King Abdulaziz University

During the TOURISE 2025 Summit, Tanmeya Capital also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Wadi Jeddah Company, the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University. This MoU outlines plans for the establishment of a new educational campus in Jeddah, which will further enhance the reach and impact of this strategic initiative. The Jeddah campus will play a key role in providing advanced educational programs and training opportunities to Saudi and international students, further supporting the Kingdom’s drive towards becoming a global tourism and hospitality leader.

This collaboration between Tanmeya Capital, Wadi Jeddah Company, and Sommet Education exemplifies the power of purposeful, national and international partnerships. By combining the expertise of global institutions with Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions, the partnership promises to bring lasting social and economic benefits to the Kingdom.

A Vision for Transforming Saudi Arabia into a Tourism Powerhouse

The collaboration between Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education is a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation into a global tourism and hospitality powerhouse. As the Kingdom continues to invest in its infrastructure and human capital, initiatives like these will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the industry.

With the tourism sector poised to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP in the coming years, the development of a skilled workforce in hospitality and tourism will be critical to the Kingdom’s success. The partnership between Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education sets the stage for the creation of thousands of high-quality jobs, empowering the next generation of Saudi leaders and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a major player in the global hospitality and tourism markets.

The Long-Term Impact: A Legacy of Excellence

As this transformative partnership unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting legacy for both Saudi Arabia and the global hospitality industry. With a 25-year commitment and a shared vision for excellence, the collaboration between Tanmeya Capital and Sommet Education represents a long-term investment in the future of hospitality education and workforce development.

The success of this partnership will not only contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality industries but also create a ripple effect across the region, inspiring other countries to follow Saudi Arabia’s lead in investing in education, human capital, and infrastructure.

As Saudi Arabia continues to attract international attention and investment, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Kingdom’s tourism sector, ensuring that it thrives for generations to come.