Le Meridien in Kuwait has created a training programme targeted at nationals to help kick-start the tourism and hospitality sector’s employment of Kuwaitis.

Hannes Yaghi, general manager of Le Meridien, pointed out that the initiative - which has seen a number of Kuwaiti women sign up - is needed in a sector that is often seen as less than desirable for nationals.
He said: “We all have a responsibility to pave the way for nationalisation, and industry leaders need to drive the participation of nationals in the workforce.

Yaghi acknowledged that national women are a largely untapped resource for employment. He added: “National women especially can be trained to play a pivotal role in niche areas such as banqueting departments for weddings, outside catering, or children’s events - in fact, any activities that allow them to be away from the ‘shop floor’.”

Yaghi is currently overseeing the refurbishment of Le Meridien Kuwait - one of five new projects over three years in the country, totalling almost 450 new hotel rooms.
The second property to be added to the group’s portfolio is Le Meridien Safat in Kuwait City’s Fahad Al Salem Street, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year, and is the group’s first Art+Tech property in the region.