The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is introducing three new modules and markets for the Abu Dhabi Specialists E-learning Program, including one on Expo 2020 in Dubai.
The program debuted last year as part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, which saw all forms of physical promotional offers, workshops and training courses shifted onto virtual platforms. It was designed to educate travel industry professionals, including front-liners, product managers, tour operators, travel agencies and home-based agents, about ways to promote Abu Dhabi effectively.
Launched in May 2020, the e-learning rolled out across markets in 17 countries and in seven different languages. To date, 13,670 applicants have registered for the course and more than 7,000 have graduated as ‘Abu Dhabi Specialists’.
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Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Marketing and Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said new modules would soon be unveiled, along with expansion to the new markets of Switzerland and Israel.
“Despite the last year being an extremely challenging period for the tourism sector, through this innovative program we have still been able to connect with travel professionals around the world and help them understand why Abu Dhabi is such an extraordinary destination. As we open up to travellers from across the world once again, we are confident the Program has increased awareness of Abu Dhabi’s amazing offerings, which in turn will lead to increased sales activity and lengths of stay for visitors.”
The program is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s Travel Trade Marketing Plan ensure the travel specialists are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to sell. Besides the training aspects, the specialists receive regular communications on the destination, invitations to events, and access to marketing toolkits.
By completing the program, the agents gain knowledge and the tools needed to aid selling efforts and increase professionalism.
The three new modules, to be progressively rolled out, cover: Expo 2020 Dubai; Abu Dhabi’s MICE destinations and the emirate’s cultural attractions and programs. Those who complete the new modules will be recognised with an ‘advanced’ certification.
Lead image: Qasr Al Watan