Accor Launches Sales & Distribution Learning Program for Saudi Talents

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, with more than 400 hotels and resorts across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is introducing a bespoke 1 year SalesandDistribution learning program for Saudi Talents across Accor properties in the Kingdom.

With over 30 years of presence in the Kingdom, the group is continuously finding new ways to contribute and comply with the Kingdom's Saudisation vision of 2030. Accor is building strong partnerships with educational institutions, local authorities and NGOs, recruiting Saudi role models to support new recruits and working with the government to provide placements for university students. Learning Development opportunities are crucial to attracting, recruiting and retaining Saudi talent, with a focus on accelerating career development, Accor has rolled out several initiatives exclusive to the hospitality group, including the Saudi Management Training Programme (SMTP), the first initiative of its kind in the Kingdom, launched in 2014.

In June 2021, the SalesandDistribution learning program began for 150 Saudi nationals,"Heartists", across the Kingdom with the objective of building a new sales generation in compliance with local regulations. Participants of this immersive program benefit from the opportunity to acquire and build competencies in sales knowledge and skills, interaction and learning from peers and subject matter experts, and can participate in the program from any business function.

The program will be taking place virtually and participants will be enrolled through Accors digital platform, INES. Over the four months before being certified, each participant will have to attend 3 sessions and only successful participants will be part of the second phase of the Sales Up-Skilling program starting in October 2021.

"Learning and Development is an essential component of the groups strategy in the Kingdom and in the region overall. Our vision is that learning is available to all talent, as such, we have focussed our attention on accelerating our learning offer to include digital, virtual, classroom and experimental learning, for example. Accor is positioning itself as a leader in the region, not only being the largest operator but also the first hospitality group introducing an annual sales and distribution learning program to Saudi Nationals across our hotels. We are very proud to continuously expand our presence but also contribute to the development of the future generation of Saudi Arabia" says Craig Cochrane SVP Talent Culture India, Middle East, Africa Turkey.

As of today, 32% of the groups workforce in the Kingdom is represented by Saudi Nationals throughout all positions, with many holding leadership and senior roles. Upon completion of this program, attendees will be able to efficiently prepare and facilitate sales calls, influence the decision making process and turn prospects into clients. Some of the topics within the program will focus on areas such as the client expectations, steps of selling, sales tools, building strong relationships, identifying your unique selling points (USP) and more.

Accor has been present in Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years and is the Kingdoms leading operator with 39 properties (14,313 keys) and 39 more (10,547 keys) in the pipeline.

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About Accor

Accoris a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industrys most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the companys comprehensive loyalty programALL - Accor Live Limitless- a daily lifestyle companionthat provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics,responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visitgroup.accor.comor follow Accor onTwitter,Facebook,LinkedInandInstagram.