Donna Mae Ocmeja - RMC Asia

UAE Year of the 50th: The Golden Jubilee

The year 2021 marks the 50^th year since the unification of the seven Emirates under one flag – the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The president of the UAE, his Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed said that the ‘Year of the 50th’ represents a historic, defining moment in the UAE’s journey which started immediately after the declaration of the country’s union in 1971. The ‘Year of the 50th’ has been officially underway since the 6^th of April 2021.

A yearlong of activities, which will run until the 31^st of March 2022, is spearheaded by the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee. The Committee aims for all those who consider the UAE to be their homeland to have a festive spirit. UAE nationals are encouraged to remember and acknowledge the achievements of the Founding Fathers while the youth are expected to be inspired to envision their ambitions for the future.

The celebration also includes a series of initiatives to contemplate the UAE’s much-appreciated history, values, and unique achievements. Late in August 2021, one of the initiatives by the Committee was “Letters to the Future”. This encouraged people to write a letter to their future selves, which would then act as a time capsule reminding them of how far they have come in life. Another major activity that is currently being held in Dubai is the Expo 2020. The Expo, which commenced in October 2021 and is set to continue until March 2022, is the most anticipated expo consolidating international partnerships and highlighting the latest technological developments from around the world.

With sustainable spaces that will last long after the Expo, it focuses on architecture, gastronomy, arts and culture, business entrepreneurship, country pavilion and exhibitions, innovation, mobility, opportunity, sports and fitness, and hospitality as the main features. The UAE possesses a major responsibility in hosting this important event. The hospitality industry is expected to provide new employment opportunities to many professionals with different backgrounds. This could also be a great experience for many young hoteliers.

Moreover, his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai) together with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces), announced in September the launching of a series of national strategic projects, which are designed to establish the UAE’s status, both regional and international, as a major economic hub. The project will involve the continuous development of the country’s successes in the past 50 years, all while building a plan for the coming 50 years as well.

As the year ends and as 2022 is coming, more exciting news awaits those who call the UAE their home as well as those who are interested in visiting the country. This means that there is plenty to look forward to in the United Arab Emirates!

Photo Credits: Sasha Pritchard, Gim42 Getty Images Signature, & Olgaozik from pixabay

Hospitality Internship Opportunities – Indian Ocean Island-nations

Destinations, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

RMC is an agency providing services for Cultural Exchange Programs in Asia and the Middle East. We are proudly promoting internship program opportunities in some of the most popular Indian Ocean Island-nations destinations. We are recruiting Hospitality Internship Program participants on behalf of our Host Organizations (luxury hotels and resorts) in the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Sri Lanka.

JOB DETAILS

HOST: luxury hotels/resorts
DESTINATION: the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar (Tanzania), or Sri Lanka
PROGRAM: Internship Program
START: between September and December 2021
LENGTH: 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, up to 12-month

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

F&B service, Bar & Restaurant operations intern
Front Office, Guest Services intern
Guest Relations, Island-Host intern
Recreation, Leisure Department intern
Spa & Wellness Department intern
Culinary Arts (F&B/Kitchen) intern

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

enrolled & recent graduate students from a post-secondary institution (vocational professional, diploma, certificate, University studies)
accepted major of study (not limited to): hospitality & hotel management, business management, marketing, international business, restaurant management)
at least 18 years of age
available for a period of at least 12 months
fluent in English (multilingual candidates are most welcome)

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Full board and living expenses
Other benefits: host company and full program details vetting; placement prior to arrival at destination; 1-on-1 individual support through the application; pre-departure orientation; support for health, travel, accident, and/or liability insurance; and in-country support and services

This is the perfect opportunity for enrolled students or recent graduates wanting to experience an unforgettable Cultural Exchange and Educational Travel experience. Interested applicants may send their resume to apply@rmcasia.org.

For more information about our programs and services, you can check our e-flyer 2022 or visit our website.

What is happening in our program destinations? January 2021 update from Asia and the Middle East

Destinations, Maldives, Qatar, Seychelles, UAE, Vietnam / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

2020 has been a remarkably challenging year for everyone. On the other hand, 2021 is here to bring new hope, especially to the Travel and Tourism sectors. As an active affiliate of the Hospitality sector, we at RMC have continuously kept our attention ready for any relevant news and updates especially in the countries where we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs.

Here are some of the most recent Travel and Tourism news and updates in some of our Program destinations – the Maldives, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles, and Vietnam.

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives records 10,000+ tourist arrivals in first three days of 2021: Official data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that the Maldives received more than 10,000 tourists in the first three days of 2021. Most of the tourists are from Russia, Ukraine, India, Kazakhstan, and Britain. READ MORE.

What you need to know before traveling to the Maldives: The Maldives is open to international tourists. For anyone who is planning to visit the country anytime soon, here’s what they need to know and expect if during the global COVID-1 pandemic. READ MORE.

THE UAE

The UAE achieves highest rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution: The UAE has announced that it achieved the highest rate of COVID-19 vaccine doses distribution for medically eligible groups. READ MORE.

UAE’s Emirates and Etihad Airways to Trial Covid-19 Travel Pass: Dubai’s Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways have partnered with the International Air Transport Association to introduce a travel pass for passengers who have been vaccinated or tested negative against Covid-19. READ MORE.

QATAR

Health Ministry updates list of groups eligible for home quarantine: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health recently announced an update to the list of groups eligible for home quarantine, to be effective starting 24 January 2021, at all ports of entry to the country. READ MORE.

Qatar Airways receives 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating: Qatar Airways has become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by an international air transport rating organization. The announcement follows a detailed audit, carried out in December 2020 READ MORE.

SEYCHELLES

Seychelles updates entry requirements of visitors: Following the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns started around the world, Seychelles reviews its entry requirements procedures and make the country more accessible for potential visitors. READ MORE.

No quarantine needed for Covid-vaccinated travelers: Tourists heading to Seychelles will no longer need to quarantine for 10 days on arrival – provided they have had a Covid-19 vaccine. READ MORE.

VIETNAM

Vietnam to receive 30M doses of COVID-19 vaccine: Vietnam will receive at least 30 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford University this year. READ MORE.

Historical Vietnam at Glance park reopens: After a 10-year pause, the ‘Vietnam at a Glance’ tourism park reopened on 16 January just weeks before the Tet national holiday gets underway at the end of the month. READ MORE.

We at RMC are constantly monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs in – the UAE, Thailand, the Maldives, Seychelles, Qatar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Our team remains optimistic about the revival of the Hospitality industry and its related sectors this New Year 2021.

For questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit our website.

What is happening in our program destinations? December 2020 update from Asia and the Middle East

Destinations, Maldives, Thailand, UAE / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

In recent months, the UAE, Thailand, and, the Maldives, have been the more active countries in terms of Hospitality and Travel activities among our nine (9) program destinations in Asia and the Middle East. To give you more information about the current situation in these countries, here are some important updates and developments about the UAE, Thailand, and the Maldives.

THAILAND

Thailand is now open to the whole world: Tourists are now welcome to visit Thailand, regardless of their countries’ Covid-19 situation. However, these travelers still need to comply with Thailand’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. READ MORE.

Thailand further eases curbs on travel: The government is easing travel restrictions for citizens from 56 countries. Tourists from several countries can travel without visas but would need a certificate to show they are free of Covid-19. READ MORE.

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives’ tourism revives over the holiday season: Tourism in the Maldives, which reopened its borders to international tourists in mid-July, is picking up with a surge in arrivals and visitors expected for the festive season. READ MORE.

The Maldives welcomes 100,000th tourist since reopening: On 6 December, the Maldives broke the record of daily arrivals since its reopening, with a total of 3,006 tourists arriving in the Indian Ocean destination. READ MORE.

THE UAE

UAE hotel industry continues to improve occupancy rate: The key hotel markets in the United Arab Emirates have reached or surpassed 50% occupancy due to strong domestic and recent international demand. READ MORE.

Abu Dhabi to re-open to foreign tourists: Abu Dhabi is planning to re-open for international tourists by January as it eases restrictive measures, looking to recover from the pandemic. READ MORE.

We at RMC are continually monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs in – the UAE, Thailand, the Maldives, Qatar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Our team remains optimistic about the continuous revival of the Hospitality and Travel industry most especially in the year to come, 2021.

For questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit our website.

F&B Service internship in Asia and the Middle East

F&B Service internship opportunities in Thailand, the Maldives, the UAE

Destinations, Maldives, Thailand, UAE / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

Several Host Organizations in Thailand, the Maldives, and the UAE are looking for passionate Hospitality enthusiasts who are willing to undergo hands-on practical training as interns in the F&B Department. These companies, 4 & 5-star hotels, are in need of interns who can work for periods ranging between 6 to 12 months, and who can join the company sometimes in Q1 or Q2 of 2021.

JOB DETAILS:

Host: 4 & 5-star luxury hotels
Program: Hospitality & Business Internship (Practical Training)
Positions: Food & Beverages Service Interns
Destinations: Thailand, the Maldives, or the UAE
Start Date: between January and June of 2021
Program Length: 6 to 12 months

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

work in all areas of Food & Beverage Service operations including Bar, Restaurant, Banqueting, Room Service, Sommelier, Conference & Events
greet visitors warmly; demonstrate high levels of customer service
prepare the room and the tables for the service
interact with customers, take and serve their orders
assess customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
assist in checking and managing stocks and supplies
maintain personal hygiene and professional appearance while on duty
assist other departments whenever necessary
other related duties under the supervision of F&B managers/trainers

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

enrolled student (for a Bachelor’s Degree, Post-Graduate Degree, Master’s Degree) ‘OR’ recently graduated student within 12-month of graduation (accepted major of study [not limited to]: hospitality & hotel management, business management, marketing, international business, restaurant management)
at least 18 years of age – college / university endorsement required
available for a period of 6 to 12 months
fluent in English (second language is a plus)

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

Provided Accommodation for a full contract duration
For Living Benefits: On duty meals, local transportation, Service charge, Officer Credit, Visa and Work Permit, Group Insurance, and Likes
Living allowance: between $ 200 to $ 450 (USD) per month

For more information about our programs and services, you can check our e-flyer 2021 or visit our website.