Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, is preparing to accept a fresh influx of students to its annual Tourism Youth Summer Programme, an event aimed at identifying and inspiring the next generation of tourism professionals for Abu Dhabi.

Enrolment is now open for the camp, which, due to popular demand, has been extended from two weeks to three to incorporate work placements for attendees, who will gain first-hand insight into the destination's hospitality and tourism sectors and the role they play in the development of the emirate.

Now in its seventh year, the camp will be held at various tourism locations across the city, from August 2nd - 20th.

"We are expecting to welcome up to 50 new students into the programme this year, and they will be introduced to the concept of Abu Dhabi as a tourism and cultural destination," said Nasser Al Reyami, Standards Regulations and Licensing Department Director at TCA Abu Dhabi. "They will get the chance to work in a tourism-related entity where they will get an insight into the different components of the tourism industry and how they contribute to the growth and development of the country. At the end of the programme, each student will be equipped with knowledge and experience about the different aspects of tourism and culture and its important role in Abu Dhabi's future; the role they play in the emirate's economic diversification and socio-economic development."

Al Reyami went on to explain, "Tourism is one of the largest employers worldwide and the sector has a crucial role to play in economic sustainability, yet there is often the idea that a career within this industry would not offer much in the way of advancement. By offering this programme, we want to get the message across, in the most engaging and fun manner possible, that this is a misconception and that there are a great many opportunities for progression in the sector."

During the camp, which will be conducted in English and is open to girls and boys aged between 18 and 21, some 50 students will take part in a number of workshops covering a range of topics from culture, hospitality, events, attractions, sports tourism, entertainment and entrepreneurship and embark on field trips in Abu Dhabi and the emirate's heritage heartland of Al Ain.

They will also experience a specialised workshop on airlines, tour operations, the cruises industry and tour guiding, with a guest speaker from Etihad Airways and a field trip to Captain Tony's Boat Tour Agency at Yas Marina.

After a first week of introductory presentations held at Eastern Mangroves, the students will then be placed in a summer job for eight days to gain experience in one of the leading tourism entities in Abu Dhabi. The Tourism Youth Summer Programme will then culminate with a graduation ceremony on August 20th at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.
Source: WAM