Vatel Bahrain launched Explore Hospitality, a two-week summer programme designed to give young people aged 15 to 18 first-hand exposure to the hospitality and tourism industries and help them make more informed decisions about their future academic and professional pathways. The initiative builds on Vatel Bahrain's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the sector and the promising career opportunities it offers.
The programme introduces participants to the hospitality sector at an early stage, raising awareness of the opportunities it offers while responding to the industry's growing demand for skilled talent and the increasing interest in pursuing careers within one of Bahrain's key growth sectors. It also supports the Kingdom's wider tourism development ambitions and the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Running over ten working days, Explore Hospitality will be delivered at Vatel Bahrain's campus and selected four- and five-star industry partner venues, including hotels and cultural and tourism destinations. The programme combines interactive sessions, practical exercises, workplace-inspired challenges, professional mentoring and direct exposure to hospitality environments.
Designed as an early career exploration experience, the programme will give participants a clearer view of the opportunities available across hospitality and tourism and help them assess how their interests and strengths may align with the sector. It will also support the development of practical and transferable skills that can benefit them in their future education and careers.
Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, said Explore Hospitality has been created to inspire young hoteliers and introduce an industry that extends far beyond traditional operational roles, bringing together leadership, creativity, communication, culture, innovation and service excellence. He said the programme also reflects Vatel Bahrain's broader commitment to youth development and to promoting hospitality and tourism as a rewarding field with diverse professional pathways.
Fatema Ali, Director of Studies at Vatel Bahrain, said the programme encourages participants to explore their interests while strengthening key capabilities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and attention to detail. She said that through practical challenges, they will learn to make decisions, develop ideas and present a final hospitality concept to mentors and industry professionals, gaining valuable experience in expressing their thinking, receiving feedback and building confidence.
She added that the programme also helps parents support their children's academic and career choices by providing a clearer understanding of the sector and the opportunities it offers across hotel management, tourism, events and entrepreneurship.
Public registration for the programme is now open. To secure a place, register via the link in Vatel Bahrain's Instagram bio or contact 17616074.