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5 Nov, 2014

AHLEI Awards Certified Guest Service Property Designation to Eleven Hotels in Palestine

Orlando, Florida, November 2014—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has awarded 11 hotels in Palestine with the designation of Certified Guest Service Property. To achieve this certification, the properties had to train with AHLEI’s Guest Service Gold® training program and certify all front-line staff as Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSP®).

Diyafa Hospitality Management & Consultants Group, AHLEI’s partner in Palestine, introduced the Guest Service Gold® training as part of an extensive two-year hospitality training and certification project funded by USAID-the Compete Project and in cooperation with the Arab Hotel Association. During the course of two months, the 11 properties, with nearly 300 participants representing front desk, housekeeping and food service, completed the training and certification to earn the prestigious Certified Guest Service Property award.

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According to Mr. Awni Inshewat, CHA, Diyafa-HMC managing partner, the properties were selected based on their previous commitment to training and professional certification through The Compete Project. They represent various geographical locations in Palestine, including East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho. The properties are:

  • Azzahra Hotel
  • Ritz Hotel
  • Ambassador Hotel
  • St. George Hotel
  • Jericho Resort
  • Jacir Palace Hotel
  • Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah
  • Manger Square Hotel Bethlehem
  • Murad Tourist Resort
  • Royal Court Hotel
  • Caesar Company for Tourism Investment

Representatives of the 11 properties received their Certified Guest Service Property plaques in late October at a ceremony attended by Mrs. Rula Maaya, Palestine Minister of Tourism; Mr. David Harden, USAID Mission Director; Mr. George Abu Aita, President, Arab Hotel Association; and DIYAFA-HMC partners (pictured with hotel representatives). The properties are the first in Palestine to achieve this distinction.

For more information on Guest Service Gold® and becoming a Certified Guest Service Property, visit www.ahlei.org.