COTHM Global Becomes Member of UN Tourism

The conferment of UN Tourism Membership upon COTHM Global in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marks a defining milestone in the institution’s journey toward global excellence. This prestigious recognition reflects COTHM Global’s unwavering commitment to advancing quality education, professional skills, sustainable tourism, and workforce development in alignment with international standards.

Membership in UN Tourism is not merely an institutional affiliation—it is a recognition of organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a meaningful contribution to the development of the global tourism ecosystem. COTHM Global has earned this distinction through years of dedicated service in preparing highly skilled professionals for the hospitality, culinary, tourism, travel, and airline industries.

Transforming Skills into Global Opportunities

For about two and a half decades, COTHM Global has remained committed to one mission: empowering individuals through internationally relevant education and practical skills. More than 100,000 graduates have gone on to build successful careers in leading hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tourism organizations, and hospitality businesses across the world.

By combining academic excellence with hands-on training and close industry engagement, COTHM has consistently addressed the evolving needs of employers while enhancing the employability of youth. This contribution to workforce development aligns closely with UN Tourism’s vision of promoting inclusive economic growth through tourism and human capital development.

Championing Sustainable Tourism Development

Tourism is one of the world’s largest drivers of economic growth and employment. Recognizing this, COTHM Global has integrated sustainability, responsible tourism, entrepreneurship, and innovation into its educational philosophy. The institution actively promotes tourism as a catalyst for cultural understanding, community development, and economic prosperity. Through international collaborations, research initiatives, industry partnerships, and academic exchange programs, COTHM continues to contribute to building a resilient and future-ready tourism sector.

Building International Partnerships

One of the defining characteristics of COTHM Global has been its strong international outlook. The institution has established collaborations with universities, professional bodies, hospitality organizations, and skills institutions across multiple countries. These partnerships provide students and professionals with access to globally recognized qualifications, international internships, mobility opportunities, and exposure to global best practices.This international engagement reflects the collaborative values championed by UN Tourism and demonstrates COTHM’s commitment to strengthening global cooperation in tourism education and workforce development.

Advancing Innovation in Hospitality Education

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving through digital transformation, sustainability, culinary innovation, and changing consumer expectations. COTHM Global has consistently adapted its curriculum, teaching methodologies, and training facilities to meet these emerging trends. From state-of-the-art culinary laboratories and hospitality training facilities to industry-driven curricula and entrepreneurship initiatives, the institution continues to prepare graduates for leadership roles in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Recognition of Visionary Leadership

The UN Tourism membership also acknowledges the visionary leadership that has shaped COTHM Global into one of the region’s leading hospitality and tourism education institutions. Through strategic direction, international engagement, and a steadfast commitment to quality, the institution has become a trusted partner for governments, industry leaders, educational institutions, and development organizations working to strengthen the tourism and hospitality sectors.

A Gateway to Greater Global Engagement

Membership in UN Tourism opens new opportunities for collaboration, policy dialogue, research, innovation, and knowledge exchange with leading institutions and tourism stakeholders worldwide. It enables COTHM Global to actively participate in international initiatives that promote sustainable tourism, skills development, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.

For students, faculty, industry partners, and alumni, this recognition further strengthens the institution’s global credibility and reinforces its commitment to delivering education that meets international standards and responds to the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The award of UN Tourism membership is not the culmination of COTHM Global’s journey—it is the beginning of a new chapter of global engagement and impact. As the institution continues to expand its international partnerships, strengthen industry collaboration, and promote excellence in hospitality and tourism education, it remains dedicated to producing skilled professionals who will shape the future of the global tourism industry.

This prestigious recognition in Riyadh is a testament to enduring vision of the Founder, President & CEO of COTHM Global, Ahmad Shafiq: “to empower individuals through education, transform industries through skills, and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous global tourism economy”.