ADTA’s Ambassador Programme Undergoes Second Expansion Wave

Number Of Participant Organisations Doubles As Scheme Goes Twice-Yearly

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) highly successful ‘Abu Dhabi Ambassador’ programme has been expanded for the second time and will now be held twice-yearly.

The number of organisations now signed up for the scheme, designed to equip visitor-facing UAE nationals with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be the ‘welcoming face’ of the emirate, has doubled to 20 from this year’s initial 2010 intake.

“The response has been swift and resounding,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Director, ADTA. “From early beginnings three years ago when the intake was limited to students of Zayed University, we are responding to participation requests from both public and private sector organisations.

“The result will be an expansive and well-trained cadre of nationals who can and will do their country justice as they pass on the hospitality, destination and cultural knowledge they will acquire over the course of the two months long programme.”

Some 55 applicants from a range of government organisations, colleges, motorsports activities and events organiser and private aviation operators will join the second 2010 class when it begins on September 27th. They will attend sessions to be held every Monday spanning a curriculum which has also been extended to include, for the first time, briefings on the emirate’s expanding sports and entertainment offering.

“We want to ensure those participating have a good grounding in both Abu Dhabi’s business and leisure tourism, hence we need to expand the programme in tandem with the emirate’s growing offering,” added Al Reyami.

“Our research shows that visitors to Abu Dhabi wish to engage with heritage and cultural experiences as well as the breadth of attractions now available. They are looking to experience the hospitality for which Arabia is renowned and it is a business imperative that we live up to these expectations. If visitors are assured of a welcome at every touch point we will be developing a competitive edge that will certainly set us apart.”

The programme covers a mix of modules and includes facilitated tours of attractions in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia.

Would-be ambassadors in the second class of 2010 represent: Abu Dhabi Police Department; Al Ain Municipality; Immigration Department; Abu Dhabi Airports Company; Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Committee; the Critical National Infrastructure Authority; Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Royal Jet; Etihad Airways; Abu Dhabi Authority For Culture & Heritage; the Department of Economic Development; Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management; Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre; the Department of Transport; Customs Administration; Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; Abu Dhabi Municipality; Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority; Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Three participants will graduate with honours from the programme being judged on their attendance record, a group presentation and a written examination.

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