The Minister of Information and the Socotra Governor launch a tourism guidance course and honor education students at Socotra University.

On Thursday, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Moammar Al-Eryani, alongside the Governor of Socotra Archipelago, Engineer Raafat Al-Thaqli, inaugurated a month-long tourism guidance training program. This initiative, organized by the ministry in collaboration with Socotra Archipelago University, aims to qualify 30 participants in the tourism sector.

Opening Remarks Highlight Commitment to Tourism Development

Al-Eryani began his address by conveying greetings from President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi and the Council of Presidential Leadership members. He acknowledged the university’s leadership and participants for their commitment to enhancing the tourism workforce in Socotra, a region rich in unique natural resources.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the training program, Al-Eryani emphasized that this marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the ministry and the university. He highlighted the potential for ongoing collaboration through various tourism-related activities in the future. He praised Socotra Archipelago University as a distinguished academic institution contributing significantly to the development and prosperity of the archipelago.

Encouraging Participation and Future Prospects

The Minister commended the active engagement of participants, particularly the inclusion of female students in the training. He expressed hope that the graduates would become vital contributors to the tourism sector. Al-Eryani appreciated the local government’s efforts, led by Governor Al-Thaqli, to elevate tourism in Socotra, which he described as Yemen’s jewel and a valuable treasure. He reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing communication and coordination between the ministry and local authorities to position Socotra as a global tourist destination.

Vision for a Specialized College in Tourism

Al-Eryani underscored the importance of establishing a college of tourism and hospitality at Socotra Archipelago University, making it the first specialized institution of its kind in Yemen. He stressed the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Vocational Education to ensure the graduation of qualified tourism professionals.

Local Leadership Supports Tourism Initiatives

Governor Al-Thaqli praised Al-Eryani for his support of the province and its tourism initiatives. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing coordination between the local government and the ministry, which aims to make Socotra a prime tourism destination.

University Welcomes Collaboration for Community Development

Dr. Nadeem Al-Azibi, President of Socotra Archipelago University, welcomed both the minister and the governor to the university. He highlighted the university’s readiness to graduate its first cohort from four colleges, emphasizing its commitment to developing qualified professionals to enhance community growth.

He also mentioned that the tourism guidance training would be followed by a hospitality course to meet the island’s needs, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts among the university, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, and local authorities.

Training Curriculum Focuses on Practical Skills

The training program will cover various types of tours and travel experiences. Participants will learn essential English language skills for daily interactions, airport scenarios, and hospitality-related phrases. The training will also focus on effective communication, active listening, and speaking professionally. Additionally, participants will practice guiding tours and engage in role-playing exercises to enhance their skills.

Recognition of Educational Achievements

In a related event, Al-Eryani and Governor Al-Thaqli attended a ceremony honoring the top graduates from the Faculty of Education and Humanities at Hadhramout University. In a press statement, Al-Eryani expressed his delight in witnessing the graduation of the 21st cohort and commended the college’s contributions to producing graduates who support the island’s development.

He encouraged graduates to utilize their skills for the benefit of their community, fostering national loyalty and contributing to the prevention of violence and extremism.

Attendees and Support Staff

The minister and governor were accompanied by several officials, including Mohammed Bashraheel, Chairman of the 14 October Foundation for Press and Publishing, and other key figures from the ministry and local government, highlighting a unified effort toward enhancing education and tourism in Socotra.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in developing Socotra’s tourism sector, promising to create a skilled workforce that can leverage the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for sustainable tourism growth.

 

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