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King Khalid University celebrated the inauguration of the College of Tourism and Hospitality with a joyous event attended by a distinguished group of high-profile guests, including His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir region and Chairman of the Asir Development Authority, His Excellency Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib, Dr. Abdulrahman Khalid Al-Abdulkarim, representative of the Council of University Affairs, and Acting President of King Khalid University Professor Dr. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dujam. The ceremony took place at the new college premises in the Al-Fara’a University City.
The ambitious project aims to support Vision 2030 by offering distinguished academic programs and practical training in the fields of tourism and hospitality.
Presentations showcasing the college facilities and the university’s tourism education system were displayed and included advanced educational amenities such as an educational hotel designed with the Asiri hectarage sense. The hotel features 86 elegant suites, including a luxurious royal suite, a café, a restaurant, and lounges, as well as a health club, meeting rooms, 8 suites with balconies, and 2 executive suites. The facilities also include a culinary kitchen designed to offer trainings in cooking and hospitality management, a greenhouse aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and providing practical experience in growing herbs, vegetables, and fresh fruits, along with a plant nursery, a flower corner, and relaxation areas. The college includes 14 culinary laboratories, smart classrooms, 8 computer labs, a virtual reality lab, a cooking lab, a cafeteria, and a dining hall.
As part of the tourism education initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the university announced several educational initiatives and programs during the event in collaboration with prestigious international organizations. These programs include launching academic programs culminating in a training scholarship in partnership with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for students specializing in International Hospitality Management, as well as summer cooperative training for college students. The university also announced the launch of a Mountain Resort Management diploma in partnership with the Swiss School of Les Roches and advanced training programs for faculty members in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization.
During the inauguration ceremony, King Khalid University Acting President, Professor Dr. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dujam, expressed his happiness and pride in the opening of the College of Tourism and Hospitality. He emphasized that the college represents a qualitative addition to the university and the community and will significantly contribute to the development of the tourism and hospitality sector in the Kingdom. He pointed out, that the college will offer distinguished academic programs and practical training that meet the latest international standards, enhancing students' qualifications and preparing them for the job market. He also noted that this project aligns perfectly with the objectives of Vision 2030 and aims to achieve sustainable development in the tourism sector, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s place as a tourist destination. He extended his appreciation to all supporting entities and partners who contributed to this achievement.
The college aims to achieve several goals, including improving educational outcomes to meet market demands, encouraging research and innovation, enhancing fundamental skills in hospitality management, and providing students with sufficient information and training in managing hospitality operations and facilities. The college's programs include distinctive bachelor’s degrees in international Tourism Management, International Hospitality Management, and Culinary Arts. Moreover, the college is to offers high-quality academic programs that align with the Asir region's strategy and Vision 2030. The bachelor's programs feature a three-and-a-half-year study period, including 600 hours of cooperative training, providing students with a distinctive practical experience. The college collaborates with prestigious global universities specializing in tourism and hospitality, offering graduates promising job opportunities.
The college established partnerships with leading educational institutions, such as the Swiss Les Roches School of Hotel Management and Business, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Swiss PHMS University in the Culinary Arts bachelor's program, recognized as top global schools in the field. The college has also organized numerous workshops and seminars in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Asir Development Authority, the Culinary Arts Authority, and other entities, enhancing the level of education and training provided to students.
The College of Tourism and Hospitality at King Khalid University is a significant addition to the academic and tourism community in the Kingdom, contributing to the qualification of skilled personnel for the tourism and hospitality sector, enhancing employment opportunities, and achieving sustainable development. It will also help elevate the quality of tourism services in the Kingdom through exceptional education that aligns with the best global standards. In addition, the college of Tourism and Hospitality also aims to be pioneer both academically and professionally in the Kingdom, preparing students to be proud of their cultural heritage and national identity. This is in line with King Khalid University's mission to provide an academic environment that fosters the production and application of knowledge, research, innovation, and community responsibility while contributing to sustainable development.
