In an effort to enhance the quality of tourism education and training, and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the College of Administration and Economics at Umm Al-Qura University received the evaluation and expert team from the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE) on Sunday and Monday, September 27–28, 2026. This visit comes as part of the procedures to obtain international accreditation for the department's programs and align them with global standards and best practices.
The visit commenced with a meeting with the college and departmental leadership, highlighting strategic directions, mission, and objectives, alongside efforts to develop academic programs and enhance the educational experience. The itinerary featured specialized sessions to discuss quality assurance systems, curriculum design, development, and review, teaching and assessment methodologies, learning outcomes, field and cooperative training, as well as administrative, academic advising, and career services provided to students.
The visit also included a tour of the educational facilities and learning resources, as well as direct meetings with students, alumni, faculty members, employers, and partners from the tourism and hospitality sector. These meetings allowed the evaluation team to gain insights into the participants' experiences and perspectives regarding the programs, discuss their alignment with labor market needs, and explore the role of professional partnerships in supporting training, developing graduate skills, and enhancing employability.
This step comes within the framework of the department's ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of its programs, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and prepare qualified professionals who can contribute to the development of the tourism and hospitality sector, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Department of Tourism and Hospitality expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism for supporting and funding the international accreditation procedures, and to the college administration, represented by the Dean and Vice Deans, for their continuous support and assistance in preparing for and executing the visit. The department also highly values the Institute of Administrative Research and Consultation at the university for hosting the visit's meetings, and extends its thanks to the Deanship of Student Affairs, Wadi Makkah Technology Company, and the Alumni and Professional Skills Development Office for their cooperation and contributions to the event's activities.
Furthermore, the department extends its appreciation to all faculty members, academic and administrative teams, students, alumni, and employers who participated in the sessions for their valuable time and active engagement, which greatly contributed to highlighting the department's educational experience, professional connections, and developmental initiatives.
