Abu Dhabi has launched a new training programme for agents.
Discover Abu Dhabi went live today as the destination attempts to ensure more agents understand the diversity of its offering. The training will be split into nine modules including golf, adventure, shopping and culture and heritage.
Agents will have to score 80% in the tests to obtain a pass and can take the test as many times as they like. They will also be able to enter competitions, apply to be on fam trips and get exclusive invitations to events.
The site will also give them access to photos and videos that are designed to teach them about the destination and are available to share with clients.
UK country manager, Nabeel Mahmoud Al Zarouni, hopes the programme will help maintain the growth of Abu Dhabi tourism, aided by three new UK staff focused on the trade and roadshows in Scotland, Dublin and Manchester.
Zarouni revealed that UK guest numbers are up 25% year on year so far in 2014, with occupancy rates up 7% to 73% and the average UK guest staying for 4.3 nights. He hopes Abu Dhabi will see its total arrivals top the 3.5m mark in 2015.
“The destination is continuing to add new properties and attractions including the new Yas shopping mall with more than 300 stores in the next few weeks and the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum opening next year.”