Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè inaugurates the Italian Hospitality School “Campus Enrico Mattei” in Hurghada, Egypt.

The initiative, born within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa promoted by the Italian government, is implemented by the Italian Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Italian Hospitality School, Federturismo Confindustria, the Embassy of Italy in Egypt, PickAlbatros Holding and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.

The project aims to support the local and international tourism sector by creating highly qualified professionals and fostering a collaborative exchange of competencies between Italy and Egypt. It is part of a broader vision of cooperation and sustainable development with African countries. Specifically, the establishment of the “Campus Enrico Mattei” focuses on developing managerial skills, promoting operational excellence, encouraging innovation and sustainability and ensuring regulatory compliance. This is achieved through training highly qualified professionals in the hospitality sector, with two specializations: Management of Food & Beverage (F&B) and culinary activities, and Management of guest experience in hospitality and dining operations.

“A significant step forward for the tourism sector, reflecting the growing importance of international partnerships between Italy and Africa at a time when cooperation and sustainable development are more important than ever. We are giving a new future to young Egyptians who will receive high-level training—thanks to Italian teachers and trainers—acquiring and strengthening skills in the tourism sector to improve their job opportunities and meet the demand for qualified labor, primarily in Egypt but also in Italy, especially benefiting from regulations that facilitate the immigration of trained personnel from abroad. This initiative responds to labor market needs while contributing to mutual growth,” said Minister Santanchè. “Investing resources into training and professional development in tourism means shaping a successful industry that creates opportunities and raises quality standards” the minister continued. “Italy, with its experience and expertise—recognized excellence worldwide—is ready to export successful training and professionalization models in the sector. “Recognizing the significance of training,” Santanchè stated, “the Ministry of Tourism has created a dedicated department for this purpose. With this initiative integrated into the Mattei Plan, we are targeting an increase in the internationalization of training, aiming to develop more skilled professionals and share Italian expertise throughout the Mediterranean”.

“I am particularly proud of the establishment of the Italian Hospitality School in Hurghada, which the Embassy has actively contributed to since the early stages on the initiative of the Italian Government,” stated Italian Ambassador Michele Quaroni. “The School, a result of collaboration between various public and private stakeholders from Italy and Egypt, is a concrete demonstration of the great potential of the Mattei Plan for Africa and the opportunities that can arise for Egypt and our country from its realization. The School will help strengthen economic ties between the two countries and also promote pathways for controlled migration to Italy, benefiting tourism industry operators on both sides of the Mediterranean.”

“With 100 students taking part and more than 600 hours of theoretical and practical training, we employed the same ‘learning by doing’ methodology that we use in Italy, with a combination of demonstration lessons, hands-on laboratories and internships with tutoring. We also recognize the social impact created by including local young people in training and employment programs. I would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and to all the partners whose collaboration was essential in making this project a reality” said Giulio Contini, General Director of the Italian School of Hospitality.

“Education is the real ‘key’ in every country to restart the tourism sector and provide workers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate a complex world rich in opportunities,” asserted Marina Lalli, President of Federturismo Confindustria. “The inauguration of the Italian Hospitality School in Hurghada, which will train young Egyptians according to our quality standards, is a source of great pride and satisfaction for us. This initiative is a reflection of the strong cooperation between Italy and Egypt, aimed at enhancing the hospitality sector and facilitating the integration of these skilled professionals into the workforce.”

“I am very pleased to welcome the delegation from the Italian Ministry of Tourism to Hurghada. Today is the result of our collective efforts to bring this project to fruition. The school, in collaboration with our Italian partners, will provide skilled workforce that is so necessary for both the Egyptian and Italian markets. This initiative is a clear testament of the enduring and successful cooperation between Egypt and Italy” commented Kamel Abu Ali, President of Pickalbatros.

Hurghada, October 24, 2024.