Emiratis encouraged to enrol in tourism camp

Abu Dhabi: Young Emiratis aged between 15 and 17 are being encouraged to enrol in a three-week programme which will give them a better understanding of the tourism industry.

Boys and girls can now sign up for the programme, the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) announced on Wednesday.

“We encourage all youngsters to enrol in this special programme, which brings enhanced destination knowledge to young Emiratis and introduces more nationals to the UAE’s expanding tourism and hospitality trade.

“This year’s programme encompasses many new aspects of the destination — reflecting the evolvement of Abu Dhabi’s tourism proposition,” said Nasser Al Reyami, tourism standards director at the TCA.

The camp, which is organised by the TCA in coordination with the European International College in the capital, will run from August 18 until September 5 and will comprise 100 young Emiratis.

Additionally, the camp, which will be held at Yas Rotana Hotel in the capital, will include visits to facilities on Saadiyat Island, such as the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and the Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre as well as Masdar City.

“Applicants will be given an overview of events and attractions in the emirate and the role they play in attracting visitors,” Al Reyami said.

Special workshops will be dedicated to the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage.

“The three-week programme will be rounded out by a workshop on entrepreneurship in the travel and hospitality segments as we may have some budding entrepreneurs among participants. They will learn of the initiatives provided by the Khalifa Fund to help nurture and assist entrepreneurial programmes,” he added.

The tourism youth summer camp will culminate in a graduation ceremony for the students.

Those wanting to enrol can e-mail tourismyouth@tcaabudhabi.ae.