Mansoura University President Signs International Cooperation Agreement with French Vatel Group to Develop Tourism and Hospitality Education

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, signed a cooperation agreement with the international Vatel Group in the field of tourism and hospitality education, representing Mansoura University, along with several other Egyptian university presidents. The signing ceremony took place within the framework of the cooperation agreement concluded between the group, the Supreme Council of Universities, and the University Support and Development Authority, with the aim of strengthening international academic partnerships and developing the hospitality and tourism education system according to international standards.

The agreement aims to enhance international academic partnerships and develop the hospitality and tourism education system according to global standards. This took place during the Egyptian-French Scientific and Academic Cooperation Day, hosted by CY Cergy Paris University in France. The event was attended by Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Prof. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities; Prof. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority; and Prof. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Secretary of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, along with leaders in higher education and scientific research from both Egypt and France. The signing of the agreement was a strategic step aimed at activating frameworks for international cooperation and developing the university's hospitality and tourism education system according to international standards. This will contribute to preparing qualified graduates with scientific and practical skills that meet the needs of the local and international labor market. The agreement aims to transfer leading French expertise in hospitality and tourism management to Mansoura University by establishing joint academic and training programs, providing international training opportunities for students, and enhancing academic exchange for faculty members. This will support the quality of education and link it to practical application, in support of Egypt's Vision 2030 for developing higher education and enhancing its global competitiveness.

Prof. Cherif Khater emphasized that signing this agreement comes in implementation of the political leadership's directives to support the internationalization of higher education and strengthen international partnerships with leading educational institutions worldwide. It also complements the strategy of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, led by Prof. Ayman Ashour, which aims to improve the quality of education, link academic programs to labor market needs, promote innovation and institutional excellence, and embrace successful international experiences.

He further explained that the agreement falls within Mansoura University's strategy for academic openness and international integration, and the development of specialized educational programs, which contributes to enhancing the university's regional and international standing. He affirmed that it represents a qualitative step towards internationalizing the programs of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at the university and raising the competence of graduates according to the latest internationally accredited educational systems. He added that this partnership opens up broad horizons for international academic exchange, the transfer of advanced educational expertise, and the development of curricula that align with global hospitality industry standards. He explained that the collaboration with the Vatel Group allows for the provision of educational programs that combine theoretical study with practical training, granting graduates internationally recognized professional certifications.

It is worth noting that the Egyptian-French Scientific and Academic Cooperation Day witnessed broad participation from presidents of Egyptian and French universities and representatives of research institutions. The specialized sessions and workshops addressed ways to enhance innovative funding for scientific research, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen the link between scientific research outputs and the needs of sustainable development, in addition to supporting the integration of Egyptian universities into international academic and research networks.

The event also witnessed the signing of several other agreements in the fields of higher education, scientific research, dual degree programs, and student exchange, reflecting the depth of the strategic relations between Egypt and France and supporting prospects for joint academic cooperation in the coming period.