Yarmouk University and The Ritz-Carlton, Amman Strengthen Their Academic and Training Partnership to Prepare Promising Talent in the Hospitality Sector
As part of its institutional vision aimed at promoting applied education and strengthening the integration between academic knowledge and practical experience, Yarmouk University continues to expand its strategic partnerships with private sector institutions. These partnerships provide students with high-quality opportunities to gain professional experience and engage in professional work environments that keep pace with the rapid developments in the labor market, particularly in the hospitality sector, which is considered one of the world’s fastest growing and most competitive industries.
In this context, the University President, Prof. Dr. Malek Ahmad Al-Sharairi, received the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Mr. Dimitrios Kotsifakos, where discussions focused on prospects for enhancing academic and training cooperation between the two parties in light of the signed memorandum of understanding. The collaboration aims to develop the skills of students at the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels and qualify them according to the latest international standards in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Professor Al-Sharairi emphasized that the university views its partnerships with private sector institutions as a fundamental pillar in advancing the educational process and enhancing students’ professional competencies. He noted that cooperation with leading hospitality institutions provides advanced training opportunities that enable students to engage directly with real work environments and gain practical experience that strengthens their readiness to enter the labor market with competence and professionalism.
He further added that the university is committed to providing an integrated educational experience that combines academic foundations with practical application, thereby contributing to the development of students’ professional and personal skills and deepening their understanding of the hospitality industry and its evolving requirements. He also stressed the importance of developing soft skills, particularly communication and language skills—especially English—as they are among the most important keys to excellence in the global hospitality industry.
For his part, Mr. Kotsifakos expressed his pride in cooperating with Yarmouk University, praising the advanced academic standards of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels and the ambition and competence demonstrated by its students, which qualify them for success and creativity in the hospitality sector. He affirmed the hotel’s readiness to provide a professional training environment that contributes to the development of students’ practical and professional skills.
During his visit, Mr. Kotsifakos delivered a specialized lecture entitled “Excellence in the World of Hospitality,” in which he reviewed the rapid transformations taking place in the sector globally and highlighted the importance of keeping pace with modern developments in service methods, management practices, and guest experiences.
He also shared his professional journey and success story with the students, emphasizing that excellence is built upon continuous dedication, self-development, belief in one’s abilities, and the constant pursuit of knowledge and experience. He noted that true success begins with passion, hard work, and openness to learning and growth.
He further pointed out that the hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic and constantly evolving industries, requiring a combination of professional competence as well as interpersonal and behavioral skills. He encouraged students to invest in their abilities, strengthen their practical and communication skills, and achieve a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application in order to build a promising professional future in this vital sector.
In turn, the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Prof. Dr. Saad Al-Saad, affirmed the faculty’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships with local and regional tourism and hospitality institutions. Such partnerships provide students with distinguished training opportunities and reinforce the practical aspect of the educational process, in line with the faculty’s mission to prepare qualified professionals capable of competing and excelling in the labor market.
Professor Al-Saad concluded by encouraging students to make the most of this rich and valuable lecture and to apply the knowledge and experience they gain throughout their academic and professional journeys, thereby enhancing their opportunities for success and distinction in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
