Marriott is to run its graduate management development programme again for 2009, despite the global economic downturn.

The international hotel chain will run the 24-month programme in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa in a bid to attract talent into its business.

The programme, known as Voyage, will be delivered by recruitment firm Hospitality Graduate Recruitment, a partnership now into its third year.

Marriott’s commitment comes after rival Hilton put its fast-track development programme Elevator on hold, and recruitment experts warned that the job market was slowing as the hospitality industry faced up to a tough year ahead.

Marriott conceded in October that its openings pipeline would likely be affected by the credit crunch.

Matthew Ruck, director of talent acquisition for Marriott, said: “Our strategy is to secure the best hospitality leadership talent in the industry and deliver a world class graduate management development programme, offering a strong platform to develop graduates into leadership positions.”

Experts have urged hospitality operators to avoid making cuts to staff training and development as the slowdown bites into profits.

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By Chris Druce

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