It’s no surprise that there are high quality hospitality schools in Siem Reap, since it is the town where hospitality and tourism thrives. We take a look at the 15-year history of one of Siem Reap’s most regarded hospitality schools, Ecole Paul Dubrule
Remnants of the French influence from occupation in the late 1800s to mid 1900s are still present in Cambodia; in its food, language and architecture. In 1999, co-founder of AccorHotels, Mr Paul Dubrule, from France, made the journey to Siem Reap.
Though reasons for that initial trip are not well-documented, the visit had a profound effect on Mr Dubrule, leading him to establishing a “sister city” program with Siem Reap and his town in France, Fontainebleau. It was then when the idea to build and donate a hotel and tourism school was born. He then set about establishing the École Paul Dubrule to provide high quality hospitality training to Cambodians and people from other ASEAN countries.
To launch the school opening on October 24, 2002, Mr Dubrule embarked on an epic bicycle ride from France to Cambodia, raising funds to support the school in the process. This later inspired the school’s annual bicycle ride around Siem Reap, inviting staff, students and partners to join a 30 km cycle around the town and temple area.
Since then, the École Paul Dubrule has built up its reputation as one of the most proficient vocational hospitality institutions in Cambodia. Providing education on 5 certified ASEAN programs; travel agency, front office and housekeeping, food and beverage service, cooking and patisserie. A new diploma in Hospitality Management was launched in September 2017, with the support of École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland. The school sources expert trainers from ASEAN countries and Switzerland, providing a rare opportunity for such training in the region. The benefits to students are evident in their track record. The students are awarded certificates recognized by ASEAN and the Ministry of Tourism, and 100% job guarantee after completion of their studies. They even have an opportunity to learn abroad via international traineeships in ASEAN countries, France and Switzerland.
The tourism industry in Siem Reap continues to expand rapidly, meaning the demand for high quality staff is constant. From well-established international brands to newcomers in the market, École Paul Dubrule is a known source for quality hospitality and tourism professionals. Having already recorded a 13% increase in ticket sales to Angkor Wat in the first quarter of 2017, the demand on hotels, too, is increasing and the number of international hotel brands continues to grow.
Last November, École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule Ecole Paul DuBrule celebrated its 15th anniversary at an event hosted by Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Siem Reap, a long time partner of the school. The School’s founder, Mr. Paul Dubrule, was present at this special event.
2017 marks 15 years of success of the school that has trained 2,900 graduates since 2002. It also marks the partnership with the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland. As is appropriate for such an auspicious occasion, guests were pampered with a seven-course gala dinner prepared by seven acclaimed chefs from École Paul Dubrule, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, The Embassy restaurant and École Hôtelière de Lausanne.
In late November, the bike race, dubbed The Amazing Bike Race, took place; starting in Siem Reap and finishing in Phnom Penh. |