Strategic Partnership to Develop Saudi Hospitality Talents at Every Level
Landmark agreement to develop and qualify Saudi cadres across all levels of the hospitality sector, from frontline professionals to executives and leaders, through a series of human capital development initiatives.
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Certified Hospitality
Department Trainer - CHDT®
As the first joint human capability development initiative between Star and Hilton, this landmark program is offered exclusively to Hilton leaders across Saudi Arabia. It prepares them to become certified hospitality trainers capable of developing talent, strengthening learning cultures, and driving service excellence across Hilton properties. The number of available seats is very limited, and participants are chosen through a structured, highly competitive selection process.
What is CHDT®?
The Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT®) is a globally recognized professional credential from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), designed for hospitality leaders responsible for developing talent, transferring knowledge, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within their organizations.
CHDT prepares participants to train, coach, and develop hospitality professionals using internationally recognized instructional methodologies and best practices. The program strengthens participants' ability to deliver effective workplace learning, enhance team performance, and build training capability within their organizations.
Successful participants who complete the program and pass the certification examination earn the internationally recognized CHDT® credential, enhancing their professional credibility with a qualification respected across the global hospitality industry.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a leadership position at Hilton property
- Have current responsibilities, or the potential, to train team members in functional skills within their department.
- English language proficiency
Selection is highly competitive — based on a structured evaluation process jointly managed by Star and Hilton.
Training Delivery
Star Training designs, develops, and delivers end-to-end training programs aligned with international standards – having successfully trained and enabled more than 50,000 individuals across sectors.
Professional Certification
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) is a globally recognized leader in hospitality education and professional certification. Founded in 1953, AHLEI develops internationally respected training programs and credentials that support hospitality professionals at every stage of their careers.
What You'll Gain
Globally Recognized
Professional Certification
Join an Exclusive Society of Hospitality Professionals
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Exclusive to Hilton employees across Saudi Arabia.
Seats are very limited, and selection is highly competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
This initiative is designed exclusively for Hilton employees across Saudi Arabia, including both operating and upcoming properties. It is intended for leaders from Supervisor level through General Manager who aspire to further develop their leadership capabilities and earn an internationally recognized professional certification. Participation is exclusive to Hilton employees, and available seats are limited.
No. Meeting the eligibility requirements simply means you satisfy the minimum criteria to apply. Final participant selection is based on a rigorous evaluation and filtration process jointly managed by Star and Hilton Corporate Management to identify the most suitable candidates for this initiative.
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. This initiative follows a rigorous selection and evaluation process designed to identify ambitious, high-potential Hilton leaders who are best suited for the program. As this is an exclusive initiative, the number of available seats is very limited.
As part of the strategic partnership between Star and Hilton, this initiative is fully sponsored for selected participants — granting them access to internationally recognized professional development at no personal cost.
Yes. Employees who are not selected may still pursue the CHDT certification through Star.
- Saudi nationals who meet HRDF eligibility requirements may be eligible for reimbursement through HRDF.
- For Hilton employees who are not eligible for HRDF support, Star will soon introduce a preferential tuition rate exclusively for Hilton employees.
For further information, please contact: info@star.sa
No. Completing the training does not guarantee certification. Participants must successfully pass the final certification examination to earn the Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT) credential.
Yes. The Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT) is a professional certification awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is recognized internationally across the hospitality industry.
Yes. Upon completing the training program, participants receive a training certificate. Upon passing the certification examination, they earn the professional Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT) certification.
Certified participants become part of the ongoing Star and Hilton initiative to qualify and enable hospitality talent, with access to future capability development opportunities, community, and networking.