Her Excellency Mrs. Sara Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, highlighted the vital role of Vatel Bahrain in nurturing national talent within the hospitality sector during the opening of the 18th Vatel International Convention at The Art Hotel & Resort.
The event brought together international delegations from prestigious Vatel branches across 30 countries.
The speech emphasized the institution’s contributions in equipping professionals with world-class skills, addressing industry needs, and strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for hospitality excellence.
H.E. Mrs. Buhiji highlighted hospitality as one of Bahrain’s key growth sectors, where national professionals are trained to meet the highest international standards, and expressed great pride in the graduates of Vatel Bahrain, whose exceptional competence has been demonstrated across various forums. It was further noted that investing in the training and development of young professionals in the hospitality industry aligns with broader tourism development efforts, in line with the Kingdom’s Tourism Strategy 2022-2026 and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, delivered a speech emphasizing that the forum reflects the strong partnership among the college’s branches worldwide and showcases a long history of ambitious achievements.
The address highlighted the growing accomplishments of the institution, made possible through continuous strategic partnerships with leading educational, hospitality, and hotel institutions in Bahrain. The ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Vatel Bahrain and the high-quality educational opportunities it offers were also underscored, reinforcing its status as one of the most prestigious institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality.
His Excellency Mr. Eric Giraud-Telme, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Bahrain, commended the remarkable efforts of Vatel Bahrain as a key training pillar for the kingdom’s tourism sector, and highlighted its significant role in creating high-quality employment opportunities for Bahraini nationals, attracting greater investment in tourism, and strengthening Bahrain’s position as a leading hospitality hub. The contributions of Vatel Bahrain were recognized as instrumental in supporting national economic diversification efforts and increasing tourism’s share in the Kingdom’s GDP.
Mrs. Karine Sebban-Benzazon, President of Vatel Group, expressed deep admiration for the remarkable progress of Vatel Bahrain, recognizing it as one of the most distinguished French hospitality colleges globally. The speech emphasized that the educational opportunities provided by the institution equip Bahraini youth with essential skills and expertise, fostering excellence and success in their professional careers.
During the conference, key developmental milestones achieved by Vatel Bahrain were reviewed, highlighting advancements in student exchange programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among Vatel branches worldwide and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
As part of the event’s program, guests participated in an introductory visit to the Vatel Bahrain campus, where they were welcomed by students who demonstrated the high level of proficiency gained through a curriculum that combines rigorous academic education with intensive practical training.
The visit provided insight into how the college ensures its students master world-class hospitality techniques aligned with international standards.
