TRAVEL CHANNELS SCTA and SCSB Ink Finance Deal for SMEs Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and Saudi Credit and Saving Bank (SCSB) have concluded an agreement devoted to financially supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in tourism and antiquities, supplementing the former deal agreed by both parties. According to the partnership, SCTA is considered a key sponsor for SMEs which request financing and intend to engage in the tourism and antiquities business, as the existence of a sponsor is a pre-requisite in SCSB’s new mechanisms for financing. H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, SCTA, expressed his appreciation to the role SCSB plays in financing tourism and heritage SMEs.
DECEMBER 2012
19
Changing Times in Tourism and Hospitality Education The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, a leading business hospitality management school and a part of Jumeirah Group, successfully hosted the sixth International Panel of Experts (IPoE) Forum 2012.
T
his annual forum, which took place on November 18 - 20, is the signature event of The International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education, an Australianbased international accreditation body. A total of four key panel presentations, two workshops, and a number of discussion groups addressed various issues within the industry in line with the forum theme, Changing Times in Tourism and Hospitality Education. Close to 80 attendees from 20 different countries and five continents were present throughout the three days, as well as students from the academy.
Badr Aboul-Ela, executive director, Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE, stated that the IPoE is a rare occasion where accreditors, faculty, and students have the opportunity to come together and interact with one another. Participants also had the opportunity to experience true Arabian hospitality in various locations throughout Dubai, while the student-managed restaurant, The Paddy Hat, a Southeast Asian concept, also served guests a meal, showcasing the talents and skills of the academy trainees with all proceedings going to charity.