Emirati High Schoolers Train for Tourism at Summer Camp

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(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- More than 110 Emirati high school students, boys and girls, are enrolled in Tourism Summer Camp, a program to develop future leaders for the UAE's tourism industry that began yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The camp is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

The intensive 30-day training program gives the 14-16 year old campers a mix of lectures, discussions, hands-on learning, and field trips. It is part of ADTA's long-term strategy to build awareness of best business practices among local citizens and encourage more of them to consider a career in tourism. Currently in the UAE, the vast majority of people who work in tourism and hospitality are expatriates.

"This program plays a critical role in giving national students a better understanding of Abu Dhabi's overall tourism landscape," said Nasser Al Reyami, ADTA Director of Tourism Standards. "It also equips them with life skills that will influence their entire professional careers such as business etiquette, conference and exhibition management, and presentation skills," he added.

Five special needs students are among the 110 participants who are learning team building, general tourism industry awareness, sports tourism, culture and heritage, hospitality, airlines and travel agencies, exhibitions and meetings, customer service, and etiquette.

The students will visit Manarat Al Sadiyaat, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Yas Island, home of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, among other major attractions. They will also see the Falcon Hospital and Arabian Saluki Centre, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, and Zayed House  in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Palace Museum in the oasis city Al Ain during the summer camp. 

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