IHG Dead Sea Hotels Win Regional Talent Development Award for 2017

In recognition of their efforts to develop capacities within the local Dead Sea community, members of the Human Resources Department at Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa and Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea have received InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) prestigious regional Talent Development Award for 2017. The award was granted during IHG's IMEA HR Learning Event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in May 2017 at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

During the regional event, Ahmad Al Salem, Cluster HR Manager for IHG Dead Sea Hotels, and Basil Abu Hamdeh, Cluster Director of HR for IHG Dead Sea Hotels, were honored for their exceptional work within IHG Dead Sea Hotels, as well as their ongoing efforts to support their local communities, specifically through the launch of the IHG Dead Sea Hotels Training Academy last year.

Aiming to address challenges faced by the local Jordan Valley community with regards to finding employment in the hospitality industry, the IHG Dead Sea Hotels Academy was inaugurated on 31 October, 2016, under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma bint Talal and in the attendance of U.S. Ambassador, Ms. Alice G. Wells and several high-society VIPs. The Academy was launched by IHG Dead Sea Hotels in partnership with USAID; Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD); Ministry of Labor; Amman Chamber of Commerce; Ghour Al Mazra'a Club; Employment, Technical and Vocational Education Training (E-TVET) Fund; and Ta’asheera for Human Development.

In its first program, the Academy selected 50 local candidates to train within the kitchen, housekeeping and food and beverage services at Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa and Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea. Students who showed dedication throughout the program were made permanent employees upon the training’s conclusion in April 2017.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ahmad Al Salem and Basil Abu Hamdeh, both of whom have distinguished themselves through their dedication, hard work and devotion to the development and wellbeing of their fellow citizens,” said Firas Irsheidat, Area General Manager for IHG Dead Sea Hotels. “The IHG Dead Sea Hotels Academy has already begun to play a transformative role in the lives of its students, who have had the opportunity to pursue a career, gain employment and thereby provide to their families. We are committed to continuing to develop the talents within Jordan’s fast-growing tourism sector, so as to ensure the highest levels of service and comfort to the Kingdom’s many guests from around the world.”