Hospitality Businesses: FREE Training to Get Ready for FIFA World Cup Biz in Rhode Island

RI Hospitality Education Foundation Launches Statewide Workforce Training Initiative to Prepare Rhode Island for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Free training program funded in part by Real Jobs RI will help equip 1,500 hospitality workers for increased tourism, global visitors and elevated service demands

As Rhode Island prepares for the regional impact of FIFA World Cup 2026™, including increased visitation tied to the seven tournament matches scheduled at nearby Boston (Gillette) Stadium in Foxborough, the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) is launching a statewide workforce training initiative, funded in part by Real Jobs RI, to help hospitality employers and frontline employees prepare for higher guest volume, evolving visitor needs and the service and safety demands that come with a major global event.

Offered at no cost to participants, the initiative will provide training opportunities for up to 1,500 hospitality workers from April 22 through July 31, 2026.

Developed to support the state’s broader Ocean State 2026 effort, the program includes four training areas: human trafficking awareness, de-escalation techniques, cultural awareness training, and Guest Service Gold. Ocean State 2026 is a statewide initiative focused on helping Rhode Island maximize tourism, business, workforce and cultural opportunities tied to the nearby tournament.

“FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a major opportunity for Rhode Island’s hospitality industry to shine, and preparation will be key to making the most of it,” said Farouk Rajab, President/CEO, RI Hospitality and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation. “From hotels and restaurants to attractions and event venues, businesses across our state will have a chance to welcome new visitors and showcase everything Rhode Island has to offer. This training initiative is about giving hospitality employers and frontline teams the tools, confidence and support they need to deliver safe, welcoming and memorable guest experiences during a globally significant moment for our region.”

Each training component supports a different part of hospitality readiness for FIFA World Cup 2026™. Human trafficking awareness training will help participants recognize warning signs in hospitality settings, understand reporting protocols and respond using a safety-first, trauma-informed approach. De-escalation training is specifically designed to help Rhode Island hospitality teams mitigate issues that could arise from the expected increase in tourism traffic. It will focus on situational awareness, conflict reduction, risk recognition, and active assailant preparedness, helping participants build the confidence needed to maintain safe, welcoming environments during major events and maintain professionalism during high-pressure customer interactions. Cultural awareness training will help hospitality teams better understand the expectations, preferences and communication styles of global travelers. Guest Service Gold will reinforce the importance of individualized, informed and inclusive service that helps every guest feel welcomed and valued.

By offering this program free of charge and in a mix of in-person, on-site and virtual formats, RIHEF aims to make FIFA World Cup 2026™ preparedness training accessible to all hospitality businesses across Rhode Island, regardless of size or staffing structure. The initiative is designed not only to help businesses manage increased traffic during the World Cup period, but also to strengthen long-term service standards, workplace readiness and Rhode Island’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

For more information or to register, visit RI Hospitality Association | RIHA or contact RI Hospitality at 401-223-1120.

About the RI Hospitality Education Foundation:

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation’s mission is to develop, support and promote career growth opportunities within the hospitality industry to benefit students, organizations, and the economy. This mission is achieved through the foundation’s work with youth, unemployed adults, and incumbent employees. RIHEF’s focus is on career awareness, providing work-readiness training and offering occupational skills training. For more information, visit www.rihospitality.org/riha/About_RIHEF. 

About RI Hospitality:

With more than 900 foodservice, hotel, vendor, and other hospitality members in Rhode Island, RI Hospitality has been the voice of the hospitality industry in the state since 1963. For more information on RI Hospitality, please call (401) 223-1120, or write to: RI Hospitality, 94 Sabra Street, Cranston, RI, 02910 or visit www.rihospitality.org.