MUKALLA – As part of its commitment to developing human capital in the tourism sector and raising the efficiency of staff in hotels and tourism establishments, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism continues to implement training programs aimed at qualifying national cadres and equipping them with modern skills in hospitality, reception, and customer service.
The Excellence in Reception Skills workshop held in Mukalla marks the launch of a series of training courses the Ministry will carry out across liberated governorates. This follows the directives and priority given by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Engineer Mutee Ahmad Dammaj, to training and qualifying tourism personnel.
Today in Mukalla, the activities of the Excellence in Reception Skills workshop for staff of tourism and hotel facilities concluded. The course was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on the sidelines of the 2026 Al-Balada Tourism Festival, with participation from employees of various tourism and hotel establishments. The workshop concluded with honoring outstanding participants in recognition of their excellence and engagement during the program.
At the closing ceremony, Hussein Basleem, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, stressed the importance of translating the knowledge and skills gained by trainees into practical reality within their establishments. He emphasized that professional appearance, etiquette, a welcoming smile, and courteous guest interaction are essential elements for success in tourism, and contribute to maintaining the reputation of tourism facilities and enhancing their positive image.
Hussein Al-Sakuab, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, conveyed the congratulations of Minister Mutee Ahmad Dammaj to all participants, wishing them success in their careers. He affirmed that reception staff represent the first point of contact for any tourism establishment, and that good guest treatment and professional appearance reflect the civilized image of the facility and leave a positive impression on visitors and clients.
Al-Sakuab added that this workshop represents the actual launch of a series of training programs the Ministry will implement in the coming period in liberated governorates, with the goal of qualifying tourism cadres and raising their efficiency to meet the requirements of developing the tourism sector and improving service quality.
Majdi Bashadi, Director of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Office – Hadhramaut Coast, praised the active participation and discipline demonstrated by trainees, noting that these training programs help enhance professional performance and elevate the level of tourism services.
The honoring ceremony was attended by Obaid Al-Hadha, Deputy Minister for the Development Sector; Salem Al-Kathiri, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Dr. Omar Al-Qafeesh, Financial Director of Tourism Promotion; Arwa Al-Okbari, Deputy Director of the Tourism Office in Mukalla; and a number of officials and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Desert Sky Travel Commentary:
Desert Sky Travel welcomes the Ministry’s investment in front-line staff. Well-trained reception teams in Mukalla and across Hadhramaut are vital for delivering the quality experience that will attract visitors to the Al-Balad Festival and encourage longer stays. This initiative also strengthens the link between Hadhramaut’s cultural tourism and Socotra’s eco-tourism, creating a more competitive and professional Yemeni tourism product for regional and international markets.
