IYF LAUNCHES PASSPORT TO SUCCESS CONCIERGE TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE STARTING HOSPITALITY CAREERS
Free Online Course Sponsored By The Hilton Effect Foundation In Partnership With IYF
WASHINGTON [AUGUST 12, 2021] – American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLAF) applauds the launch of IYF’s Passport to Success® (PTS) Concierge, a free, mobile-optimized online course to teach young people about the hospitality industry and some of the most critical and cross-cutting soft skills for customer service. This new program, which will expand access to valuable online training, was enabled by a $1.5 million grant from the Hilton Effect Foundation.
With travel and tourism creating 25% of jobs globally in the past five years and expected to produce 80 million more by 2029, according to World Travel & Tourism Council, there is a bright future for young people who decide to build a career in hospitality.
“The hotel and lodging industry exemplifies the American Dream, fostering development, upward mobility, and exciting life-long careers, said Rosanna Maietta, president & CEO, AHLA Foundation. “As an industry built around hospitality, we applaud IYF because they recognize the important role soft skills play in helping our associates provide unparalleled guest experiences and innovate to build the future of the industry.”
PTS Concierge is the latest version of IYF's award-winning life skills training courses—designed specifically for the hospitality sector. For 30 years, IYF has advanced work readiness solutions for young people. Thanks to their 9+ year partnership with Hilton, this innovative new solution will be made available free of charge to young people, schools, youth organizations and other hospitality groups. The digital six-hour, eight-module course is designed to engage young people and inspire them to consider a career in hospitality and tourism and available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.
The Hilton Effect Foundation’s investment in this important training program will help deepen its commitment to supporting the development of young people around the world and expanding their opportunities.
“As part of our Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals, we are committed to doubling our investment in programs that contribute to sustainable solutions and economic opportunity for all,” said Erica Gordon, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Public Affairs & ESG at Hilton. “This includes key opportunities for youth to get involved in the hospitality industry in a meaningful way, particularly for groups that are historically disadvantaged or underemployed. This program also deepens the Hilton Effect Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the career development of young people around the world.”
AHLAF is keen to get this course in the hands of young people, organizations serving youth or the underemployed, and hospitality partners who can leverage this resource to build their team’s soft skills. For additional information on IYF’s PTS Concierge, visit https://www.passporttosuccess.org/pts-concierge
