Glion Institute of Higher Education in Glion-sur-Montreux, Switzerland offers an international experience to prepare students for top positions in fast-growing global hospitality, tourism and service industries worldwide. GLION Institute of Higher Education (GIHE), one of the top three hotel management schools in the world, has seen an increased interest from Saudi nationals to enroll in its most sought-after hospitality courses following the Swiss institute's recognition by the Saudi Ministry of Education. “Saudi Arabia is the largest hospitality market in the Gulf Cooperation Council. There is a huge demand for Saudi hospitality professionals in the industry because of the restrictions placed on the number of expatriates who can work in the country,” said Michael Huckaby, interim CEO of GIHE. “We are honored to have GIHE recognized by the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The support received by the government scholarships has made a difference in Saudi nationals wanting to get an unparalleled education in hospitality management at Glion.” For many international hotel chains, Saudi Arabia is a strategic base in the region because of the large number of tourists visiting the country every year. According to a report by Alpen Capital, tourist arrivals are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 percent between 2012 and 2022, driven by strong growth across all sectors, with occupancies set to jump from 67.5 percent in 2011 to 74.2 percent by 2016. “We hope to generate increased awareness of the benefits of working in the industry and the growth and employability perspective for our graduates. Our management program is highly regarded by the hospitality industry, and data show that 13.6 percent of our students in the management program hold positions in sales or marketing upon graduation.” Recently, representatives from the Saudi Embassy in France, Abdulmohsin Al Swailem, Director of Academic Affairs from the Bureau of Culture, and Said Mazloum, Academic Affairs manager, visited Glion and met with Christian Daujat, Glion's director of Academic Affairs, and other school officials. The purpose of their visit was to learn more about the quality of studies, new program offerings, learning environment and career orientation that Saudi students can receive through Glion's international hospitality programs. Glion's bachelor's degree is among the recommended programs listed on the website of the Saudi Ministry of Education. Students at Glion receive a Swiss model hospitality education that combines theory, practice and internships, allowing them to develop concrete skills honed in real-world situations for a promising managerial career in the hospitality industry. Highly reputed brands such as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International and Hyatt, visit Glion every year to recruit students. In 2012, all Glion's graduates wanting to enter the workforce, or 86 percent of the class, received one or more job offers even before graduation. — SG
