To date, through Pathways to Professionalism program, USAID Visit Tunisia has successfully trained on-the-job 1,700 hospitality professionals working in hotels across Tunisia, with a significant focus on diversity and inclusion. Impressively, 35.62% of those trained are women, and 41.7% are under the age of 35, underscoring the program's commitment to empowering young people and women in Tunisia's growing hospitality industry.
What ‘Pathways to Professionalism’ Program is for the Hospitality Industry?
The Pathways to Professionalism program is designed for hotels in Tunisia, offering work-based training for professionals in the hospitality sector. Its primary objective is to enhance the quality of hotel services and employment opportunities in Tunisia by providing training for 2,500 hospitality professionals, including young people and women. Pathways to Professionalism is implemented by USAID Visit Tunisia in partnership with the Fédération Tunisienne de l'Hôtellerie (FTH).
Pathways to Professionalism trainees undergo practical tests to apply their new skills on the job. Tunis Cohort 2024. Photo ©USAID
“At Dar El Marsa Hotel, our primary challenge is to ensure the correct application of hospitality standards to guarantee customer satisfaction. The Pathways to Professionalism program has had a significant impact on our operations. The program's comprehensive manuals and tests mirror the daily skills our staff must adhere to, serving as an essential guide to maintain high standards. This constant reinforcement is crucial as employees, immersed in their work, might occasionally overlook certain standards or tasks. Additionally, the program has greatly motivated our trainees, especially with the certification and the ceremony recognizing their achievements. For our trainees, the biggest challenge is to improve their skills and ensure standards are met consistently. Pathways to Professionalism has provided them with valuable additional information and tools to progress in their jobs and careers. The focus on maintaining high standards and quality control has greatly enhanced the professional capabilities of our staff.” — Nadia Abdellaoui, Interim General Manager/Administrative and Financial Director at Dar El Marsa*, a partner hotel registered in the Pathways to Professionalism program since 2022.
1,700 Hospitality Professionals Empowered across Tunisia
As of June 30, 2024, USAID Visit Tunisia successfully trained and certified 1,700 professionals working in the hospitality sector, allowing them to enhance their industry-based qualifications and advance in their professional careers. These individuals successfully concluded on-the-job training in line with international industry standards as well as a practical exam, an online assessment, and a final interview with their employer.
 | “My continuing challenge at work is to satisfy the hotel’s guests and always show the best version of myself. If we receive a complaint, we strive to improve standards to ensure guest satisfaction. We constantly aim to enhance quality. The Pathways to Professionalism training significantly helped me in communicating more effectively with my colleagues at work, including my supervisors. This program has promoted effective communication, leading to a remarkable change. The team has become more united and solid. For example, interns, who often start shy, are now being integrated into the team more effectively. This training has not only improved my daily job performance but has also enhanced my career in hospitality and tourism, making a lasting impact on my professional development.” — Hechmi Gzara, 31 years old, kitchen assistant at the Mövenpick Hotel du Lac Tunis*, and certified in Food Production, Pathways to Professionalism (Level 2) since April 27, 2024. |
Empowering Women and Engaging Youth in the Hospitality Sector
Through the Pathways to Professionalism program, USAID Visit Tunisia is increasing employment and expanding opportunities for women as well as engaging with youth in the tourism and hospitality industry. As of June 30, 2024, 35.62% of hotel employees participating in the Pathways to Professionalism program are women whereas 41.7% of hotel employees participating in the same program are under the age of 35.
| “As a Learning & Development Coordinator at Mövenpick Hotel du Lac Tunis, the Pathways to Professionalism training has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. This program significantly enhanced my communication skills and overall capabilities in hospitality. The training provided invaluable insights and allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from various departments, learning the competencies of different professions and improving my time management and organizational skills. The impact on our professional environment has been undeniable, fostering a more collaborative and skilled workforce. I strongly advocate for implementing such program for our employees, as it has long-term benefits for their careers and professional growth. Our kitchen staff, already talented, have honed their skills even further through this training. The Pathways to Professionalism program has truly elevated the professional atmosphere at Mövenpick.” — Adel Yahyaoui, 26 years old, Learning & Development Coordinator at the Mövenpick Hotel du Lac Tunis* and Certified Pathways to Professionalism Coordinator since February 2024. |
See key results break down below:
Pathways Tunis Cohort of February 26-29, 2024, including Adel Yahyaoui, Pathways to Professionalism Coordinator (kneeling, on the right, in the photo). Photo ©USAID
What’s Next? What’s New?
USAID Visit Tunisia is working on launching in September 2024 a new Pathways to Professionalism training in hospitality operations management designed for hospitality supervisors and assistant managers (also entitled Pathways to Professionalism Level 4). This training pursues the overall goal of the program of improving the quality of hotel services in Tunisia.
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Marking the Success of 450 Trained Professionals of the Hospitality Sector in Tunisia
*The Mövenpick Hotel du Lac Tunis and Dar El Marsa are partner hotels registered in the Pathways to Professionalism program since 2022.
Certified professionals during a Pathways certification ceremony in Tunis in 2023 ready to take their skills to the next level. Photo ©USAID
