By – Reda Hossain, Training Manager, Sheraton Jeddah

“Hospitality is innate among the Arabs as it is among the Swiss however the Swiss have taken it to a higher level by opening this hospitality to all, perfecting their art and bestowing it on everyone willing to learn.” said Mr. Safwan Modir, a Swiss educated Saudi gentleman who has learned this art from Switzerland and is encouraging the hospitality education in Saudi Arabia through an exceptional institute aimed at excellence. In an interesting conversation he revealed how he was influenced into this industry and how he has attained his current views.

Fascinatingly enough the ideas of hotel and hospitality dawned in him through a movie and as his interest grew, he receive encouragement from his parents and his English teacher which egged him on to seek the best providers of education in this field. It ultimately led him to Switzerland and his time there, which he fondly remembers. He tells of the unique education he obtained in Switzerland which focused not only in theory but the practical implementation in actual work fields. The very care given by the educators in every aspect encourages the best out of everyone.

The congregation of the various cultures from all walks of life sharing traditions which in itself is an education that cannot be acquired in any other way. Constant monitoring and evaluation which hones the students skill towards excellence is the trademark of Swiss education. He also recollects moments from personal experience showing the natural inclination of the Swiss towards hospitality. One short and sweet memory is of his visit to rural country side with his friends where they ended up in a farm owned by an elderly lady who put them up kindly and provided for their short stay even preparing a goodbye gift of food to sustain them if they got hungry. All the while asking for and expecting nothing in return.

Even during the unfortunate events of September 11, during which he was in Switzerland, he faced nothing in terms of hostility or even differential treatment from any one over there. On the contrary they all stood side by side experiencing the shock of the event and coping together in its wake. These are the values he carried away from Switzerland at the end of his education, which he considers as high in esteem as the exceptional education he obtained. That is the level of professionalism he wishes to insert into the seekers of education in this field. The field in this country is fertile yet uncultivated. Mr. Modir believes that to reap the best from the first harvest the best seeds should be planted. This will lead to better and better results in the future. Implementing the Swiss standards and efficiency will be the first step in the right direction. More people with the right attitude and the experience of this high standard will be invaluable to guide the next generation to follow these footsteps.