Etijah honoured as World’s Leading Sustainable Education &
Etijah's Win at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025 took place at Expo City Dubai’s Terra venue. The event featured coordinated airport shuttles, VIP options, and local taxi services for attendees. A highlight of the evening was Etijah winning the Employability Programme in the Hospitality Sector award.
The awards ceremony required detailed transport logistics, including transfers from Dubai International Airport and venue shuttles. At the gala, attended by industry leaders, Etijah was recognized as the World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme 2025.
About Etijah
Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah, founded in Cairo in 2006, is dedicated to empowering youth and promoting social equity. Its core mission is to boost the involvement of young people and women in Egypt’s socio-economic progress. The Employability Programme specifically targets the development of practical skills and job readiness for various hospitality roles, including reception, food & beverage, housekeeping, and guest services.
Etijah: Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 (Cairo) |
| 2024 reach | 80,000 people across 27 governorates |
| Focus areas | Education, livelihoods, health, protection, sports, climate action |
| Award | World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme 2025 |
What Makes the Programme Work?
Etijah employs asset-based community development and participatory methods, transforming participants into agents of change. Their training blends local knowledge with market-relevant skills, leading to sustainable employment, especially for women, refugees, and people with disabilities. Worth it.
- Technical training: skills and certifications for the hospitality industry.
- Soft skills: focuses on customer service, teamwork, and basic language proficiency.
- Placement support: connects participants with employers and provides mentoring on the job.
- Inclusion: custom curricula for vulnerable groups.
Industry Impact and Recognition
The awards are a partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, representing thousands of hotels and supply chain partners. Representatives at the ceremony emphasized the importance of responsible workforce development for a positive hospitality sector, highlighting Etijah as an example of collaboration and innovation.
Attendees praised Etijah’s model for connecting training with actual jobs in hospitality, which, in turn, affects hotel staffing and the local transport infrastructure. An increase in hospitality jobs can drive up demand for airport transfers, pre-booked taxis, and chauffeur services.
How This Impacts Transport Services
As employability programmes expand, transport needs evolve. Here’s what this means for transfer providers:
- Greater demand for local transport to and from hotels.
- The need for diverse vehicle options to support inclusive employment.
- More predictable scheduling for group transfers related to training.
- Possible partnerships between training NGOs and transport companies for internships or shuttle services.
Here's a breakdown of what this means for you:
- Operators: Schedule vehicle availability around major hospitality events and training graduations.
- Travellers: Book transport in advance.
- Employers: Coordinate with providers to ensure transport for new employees.
Etijah’s award shows tourism planners and taxi firms that investing in people increases demand for transport services in cities and tourist destinations.
The global impact of this award may seem small, but it reflects a larger trend: workforce development can influence regional tourism and transport requirements. If you're not a fan of public transport, a pre-booked ride is the way to go. I always book in advance when I can.
Etijah’s win highlights how targeted programmes can bring positive change, improving lives and stabilizing staffing for hotels and related transport. For travellers and operators alike, stable staffing translates to better service. Whether you need a taxi, a city option, or a group shuttle, understanding the link between workforce development and transport helps you plan your bookings and budget. Skip the tourist trap and support local businesses.
Tip: When travelling to big events, booking your transport in advance doesn't just save you money, it also guarantees you get where you need to be on time.
