Tourism experts to boost UAE visits

ABU DHABI //The next class of tourism ambassadors is being trained to give visitors to the capital a better understanding of Emirati life.

The Abu Dhabi Ambassadors programme, an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), is designed to boost the tourism sector by providing Emiratis with training and guidance in promoting the country.

Fifty-seven participants from 22 organisations will graduate later this month from the programme, which is completing its fifth round. New courses in this round included training in event management and "understanding tourists".

"We want participants to leave with an understanding of the opportunities and trends in the events industry, particularly as Abu Dhabi is now a world-class major events destination," said Nasser al Reyami, the tourism standards director at ADTA.

"The need to better understand the rationale behind the staging of these events, the business models, budgeting and marketing that goes into delivering them."

As part of the programme, participants from public-sector organisations, including the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, twofour54 and the Abu Dhabi Education Council, take part in workshops, seminars and field trips centred around tourism and business.

Last month, the class visited sites in Al Ain as tourists, which formed part of their training.

Abu Dhabi Ambassadors is a 10-week programme open to any Emirati older than 18 and who is either currently working in the public sector or is a university student.

After graduation, participants are expected to "acquire deep knowledge about the tourism sector and increased skills and self-confidence in dealing with Abu Dhabi visitors".

jthomas@thenational.ae