Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), tourist guide assessment and training programme kicks off

The event is exclusively a fast-track programme, available only to practicing and experienced tourist guides currently working in Abu Dhabi. Successful completion of this assessment programme will qualify the guide for an Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide certificate and License.

A variety of educational activities are included in the five-day programme, including field trips, lectures, workshops, all of which are aimed at increasing knowledge on a variety of relevant topics pertaining to the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general, such as property development, history, archeology, environment, religion etc.

"As Abu Dhabi emirate is undergoing steady positive tourism growth, it is important that we invest heavily on human resources if we are to sustain this momentum," says Director of ADTA's Licensing and Classification Division Mr. Nasser Saif Al Reyami. "A tourist guide has an important role to deliver accurate, positive messages through their communication, interaction and knowledgeable commentaries, and this will certainly leave an enduring effect on our visitors.

"The ADTA is playing a pivotal role in creating training opportunities for its partners in the tourism industry," he says. "Abu Dhabi tailors all their educational programmes with a balance of international best practice and addressing the needs of the local market."

Abu Dhabi is a member of the World Federation for Tourist Guide Associations and a keen supporter of the UAE Forum of Tourist Guides.

Twenty guides commence today and will be assessed on the final day on their guiding skills, commentary and their general knowledge of Abu Dhabi's culture, heritage and tourist attractions, by ADTA's team of eminent assessors, including Jenny Oulton from the World Federation for Tourists Guide Associations, Michelle Sabti, from the ADTA Tourism Training Section, Ahmed H. Al Dhaheri, from ADTA Licensing and Classification Division and Mohammed K. Al Dhaheri from ADTA's Strategic Planning Division.

"The continual supervision of the tourist guiding industry is an integral part of ADTA's mandate and it is imperative that ADTA, continue to conduct regular skills and knowledge assessments and evaluate performance," Mr. Al Reyami continues "Our assessor team are not only highly qualified but have also completed the intense Abu Dhabi tourist guide training. Thus, they have an excellent understanding of the industry and specifically the tourist-guiding profession and are there to support and enhance the level of service that our tourist guides offer our visitors."

"Since ADTA commenced our tourist guide training and assessment programmes one year ago, it has been a pleasure to observe the new level of confidence that is embraced by our successful graduates," says Ms. Michelle Sabti, from the ADTA Tourism Training Section, "Our tourist guide graduates are truly differentiating themselves through their enhanced expertise and professionalism."

Traditionally not a priority profession for UAE Nationals, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has been pleased to notice an increased number of UAE National candidates on the training programmes. "We are committed to providing opportunities for UAE Nationals to enter this honorable profession and we provide all the training complimentary to suitable candidates. Nationals with good knowledge, language and communication skills will make excellent tourist guides, thus offering the visitor an authentic Abu Dhabi experience." says Mr. Al Reyami. "We actively encourage those who are interested in joining this rapidly growing field."

The next Tourist Guiding courses will be conducted in July, 2007. People interested in becoming an Abu Dhabi licensed tourist guide should contact ADTA's Tourism Training Section, Licensing and Classification Division on training@adta.ae

Contributors include: Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, Tourism Development Investment Company, Emirates Palace, Al Ain National Museum, Al Ain Zoo, Sorouh and Aldar and many more.