Browse
related articles
Mr. Al Qassimi marked the occasion by reiterating Tamkeen's firm commitment towards supporting emerging sectors in Bahrain's economy. He said:
"The National Strategic Plan 2009-2014 has identified a number of economic sectors in the kingdom as key areas for investment and support. The tourism and logistics are among sectors targeted for further growth and development, therefore we see this project as one of many key steps that Tamkeen has already taken to exploit the opportunities that present themselves to Bahrainis wishing to establish a career in travel and tourism services. Besides the benefits of attending a practical intensive training programme and gaining internationally recognized certification, BTI through its partnership with the travel and tourism agents will ensure rewarding job opportunities for successful candidates within the major travel and tour operators in Bahrain. In fact, candidates wishing to enroll in the programme will be interviewed by a panel consisting of BTI's Travel Academy as well as travel agents under the umbrella of the Association of Bahrain Travel & Tourism Agents (ABTTA) prior to embarking on their studies,"
On his part, Mr. Hamid Saleh, invited Bahraini Secondary School graduates to apply for the programme saying: "Apart from a suitable level of spoken and written English, individuals who have the desire and motivation to enter this exciting field have a bright future awaiting them. The programme will not only focus on ticketing systems such as Sabre, Amadeus and Galileo but will also provide a well-rounded approach consisting of geographical knowledge, communication skills for the travel industry, retail travel operations and marketing as well as environmental topics of relevance and leading to an International certificate from the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) U.K ,"
Mr. Saleh went on to highlight the role of BTI in up-skilling young Bahraini Nationals to take up key positions in the industry through internationally recognized qualifications. He added: "BTI's Travel Academy has educational tie-up with International Air Transport Association (IATA), Institute of Commercial Management (ICM), UK and three major Global Distribution Systems".
At the same event, BTI signed a service level agreement with ABTTA represented by Mr. Sufyan Al Moayyed, Chairman of the association, to pave the way for their partnership in favour of the employment of the 80 graduates in major tour operators in Bahrain. Due to this agreement, BTI will be able to guarantee employment opportunities for all graduates.
This initiative from ABTTA marks a major milestone in the achievements of ABTTA since inception. ABTTA has been in the forefront in recent times for creating incentive programs for its members with airlines and strategic business alliances with channel partners in the travel industry.
Mr. Sofyan Almoayed stated: "This partnership fulfils one of the goals of ABTTA, which is Bahranisation." Mr. AlMoayed also added, "The other two goals for the short term are to represent the travel industry in international venues, and to find incentives members." As far as the impact of this agreement is concerned, Mr. AlMoayed said, "This agreement paves the way for greater growth and development of the travel industry in addition to promoting the industry as an ideal career option among Bahraini youth. Mr. AlMoayed also added, "ABTTA is grateful to TAMKEEN and BTI for taking this forward at the right time in view of the growing global competition. This effort will surely help the overall Bahrain travel industry in a very positive way."
Posted by Rima Ali Al Mashni
