5th batch of Universal Foundation's Discover Hospitality begins

Universal Foundation and Villa College have jointly completed the fourth batch of Discover Hospitality programme to train Maldivians for tourism and started the fifth batch.

At a ceremony held at the Manhattan Business Hotel on Tuesday, tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom presented certificates to the graduates of the Discover Hospitality programme and sponsorship letters to the new participants.

The Discover Hospitality programme has been run by the Universal Foundation since 2017. Under this programme, Maldivians are trained in the tourism sector and provided with workplace experience. 

Speaking at Tuesday's ceremony, Universal Foundation President Iyaz Waheed said Villa College was chosen as a partner in the programme launched six years ago because it is the best private college in Maldives.

Universal has always given opportunities to Maldivians to develop. Under this programme, students will receive training at Universal's resorts.

“When you are training at Universal Resorts, you are getting the best training available in the industry,” he said, adding that every department of the resorts will have certified trainers.

The theory part of the programme will be taught at Villa College. The practical experience section will be conducted at Universal-owned resorts. Participants are given a stipend of MVR 3,000 per month during the programme.