21 Emirati female students become 'Abu Dhabi Ambassadors' under ADTA programme

The first cohort got the opportunity to showcase their hospitality skills and destination knowledge during the three-day Gulf Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM-2008) exhibition at the ADNEC.

At the Zayed University, they are pursuing a degree in Communication and Media Sciences that includes tourism subjects.

At a ceremony held at the Abu Dhabi Stand at the GIBTM-2008 on Wednesday, the ADTA awarded Certificates and Mementos to the Abu Dhabi Ambassadors.

Mr. Khalid Al Hashimi, ADTA Director of Administration Division, said:

'Tourism is rapidly becoming one of Abu Dhabi's key economic contributors, and there is a huge potential for young UAE nationals to take leading roles in this field. Benefits of tourism are not just economic; there are social and other tangible benefits too'.

Mr. Nasser Al Reyami, ADTA Director of Licensing and Classification Division, said: 'Through interaction with guests and visitors to the country, they have the opportunities to showcase the Emirate with pride. By becoming a host, guide or ambassador, they can share their culture and time-honed hospitality traditions and send positive messages about Abu Dhabi throughout the world'.

The students were trained over a 10-month period starting July 2007. They were selected for the debut batch of the programme after the completing of a series of personality and competency testing managed by the ADTA's Tourism Training Section.

The focus was on practical development with 80 per cent of the programme being conducted in a hands-on approach.

They were given orientation classes on culture, history, architecture, new developments and environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The group members were also given learn-and-discover visits to visitor attractions and heritages sites and were trained in team work, networking, communication and presentation, guiding and protocol.

All the facilitators, mentors and service suppliers for this programme will be qualified and managed by the ADTA to ensure quality standards.

The Abu Dhabi Ambassadors have been based at the GIBTM Welcome Desks at the official hotels to assist with the greeting and orientation of international Hosted Buyers and participants arriving for the event.

Dr.Sheena Westwood, Associate Professor and Capstone Coordinator at the Zayed University's College of Communication and Media Services, said: 'The Ambassador programme helps the University academic programme model and is an excellent opportunity for the students to assist in the development of their country. I thank the ADTA and its team for their effort and commitment to the initiative. The fact that we have 21 motivated and knowledgeable 'ambassadors' working bears testimony to their enthusiasm for tourism, and for their commitment to their role in furthering the involvement of tourism-educated Emiratis into the industry.'

Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Exhibition Director, remarked: 'We believe it will be an invaluable platform for nurturing the next generation of business travel and meetings professionals for the region, giving the student Ambassadors first hand experience of this fast growing and exciting global industry.'