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Abu Dhabi Stages First of Its Kind Youth Tourism Summer Programme Young Nationals to Get Industry Insights |
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The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages the tourism industry within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, is to stage a tourism summer programme aimed at introducing young Emiratis to the industry and the career opportunities it offers. More than 70 students, including places reserved for young special needs people, all aged between 15-20, will be offered complimentary places on the youth tourism programme – the first initiative of its kind in the UAE. The programme will run from July 12 – August 6 with training from 9am to 3pm every week day. “Our research shows that nationals have a limited understanding of the many varied career options available within the industry and this camp is one of a number of initiatives we are undertaking to right this misconception,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Director Tourism Standards, ADTA. The programme is being held in conjunction with the Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC), one of Abu Dhabi’s leading business and leisure venues. It is also designed to develop student’s leadership and teamwork skills, gain a greater understanding of the ADTA and Abu Dhabi’s tourism proposition, gain hands-on experiential learning in hospitality operations and appreciate the tourism industry’s crucial role in diversifying the emirate’s economy. “The students will get to see the hospitality industry, both in the front line and back room which should not only enlighten, but enthuse them,” added Al Reyami. Included in the curriculum are visits to the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, attachments to AFOC’s food & beverage, front office and recreation departments, a familiarisation trip of Emirates Palace, the Shangri-la Hotel Qary’at Al Beri and to Tourism Development & Investment Company, the company behind the development of many of Abu Dhabi’s leading tourism destinations. The students will also visit Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi’s western region and Al Samaliyah Island where they will explore sustainable tourism, the preservation of biodiversity and heritage. Fact finding tours of Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village and Falcon Hospital are also on the cards as are trips to Al Ain, to visit the restored Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Palace Museum, and a visit to the planned Summer In Abu Dhabi family carnival to get a greater understanding of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre as an all-round venue. The students will work on special projects throughout the programme with prizes being awarded to the most successful at a special ceremony to which parents will be invited. “The main project will be to design a tour itinerary for a visitor to Abu Dhabi in 2012 – the results should give us a glimpse into the shape of the destination to come,” added Al Reyami. The programme’s instruction will be in Arabic with male and female students participating in one group. For more information, please visit www.abudhabitourism.ae. |
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