Mission
Offer a world-class training program annually to a group of 30 managers from Middle Eastern tourism authorities (national and regional levels), prepare them for the highest levels of executive management, and provide them with the necessary vision and skills to shape the tourism industry.
Background
The tourism industry has become the world's 4th largest export and accounts for 6-7% of jobs worldwide. According to the UNWTO, in 2009, the Middle East captured 6% of the world’s international tourist arrivals and 5% of the total tourism receipts (US$ 41 billion). Not only was it the fastest growing region during the past ten years, but the trend is expected to continue until 2020, where it will boast a growth of 33 million international visitors annually.
Tourism is one of the most viable and sustainable development options for many regions around the world, and the Middle East is no exception. Faced by several of the challenges sited by the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals--environmental sustainability, poverty, gender equality and global partnerships—sustainable tourism development in the Middle East is crucial as it has the economic and social power to face these issues.
Introduction
The Euro Arab Institute Foundation (INSTEA) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have partnered to create a master program that pushes the current standard of quality education and addresses pertinent tourism issues in the Middle East and around the world. With international faculty and facilities, and a practical, well-rounded approach to tourism and management education, students will be prepared to influence and lead in a rapidly changing business environment.
The focus of this program is to provide knowledge and training that will help harness the Middle East’s potential for sustainable development, aid in the UNWTO’s fight against various global challenges*, and strengthen Western and Middle Eastern relations. Through education, it is possible to create synergy among organizations across all regions of Europe and the Middle East with mutually beneficial policies and sustainable business plans.
