Developing a Tourist Guide Training Programme for the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Summary
Repurposing the Tourist Guide Training Programme (TGPT) to reflect and support Abu Dhabi’s commitment to achieving its goal of establishing the emirate as an international hub of tourism, culture and heritage
Currently undergoing a remarkable transformation as a world class leisure, residential and business hub, Abu Dhabi is also set to become a global cultural hub, housing the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets.From the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, to UNESCO World Heritage sites, FIFA World Club Cup and F1 Motor Racing, all set alongside a backdrop of world-class shopping, dining, and hotels,
Abu Dhabi is set to become a leading global tourist desination. In readiness, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority is eager to ensure Abu Dhabi’s tourist guides are ready to provide an unsurpassed level of service to the influx of new visitors.
The Tourist Guide Training Programme is the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s flagship training scheme and is intended to elevate guests’ overall visitor experience through engagement with passionate Abu Dhabi guides, all qualified to international standards.
People 1st International, working with partners, redeveloped the programme content based on their extensive experience of destination recognition programmes and customer service training in the UK and delivered the new training to tour guides.
Developed by CareerNet, in partnership with People 1st International and other stakeholders, the components of the course form an integrated programme of study, balancing theory with practical training. Graduates will become ambassadors for the destination able to reflect the values of Arabian hospitality and deliver a truly memorable and extraordinary visitor experience, validated by authenticity.
A destination’s authenticity is defined by how meaningfully a visitor is engaged, can trust the information conveyed and is made to feel welcome. Visitor satisfaction levels reflect the quality and credibility of a destination and are increasingly relied on by visitors when choosing where to visit. By regulating and ensuring that the industry is both inclusive and accessible to all, we can ensure that the sector’s future development is sustainable.
“Developing the tourism industry is a stated priority in Abu Dhabi’s drive to become a world-class destination for globally significant events. Working with and utilising the expertise of People 1st International in the field of developing skills for tourism and hospitality, resulted in the development of a new Tourist Guide Training Programme. The TGTP helped Tour Guides learn how best to represent Abu Dhabi’s history and culture, ensuring visitors enjoy their experience which will encourage them to keep returning, leading to long-term benefits for all stakeholders”
Patrick Lochrie, CEO, CareerNet
