SCTDA launches Sharjah Tour Guide Alumni to recognisecontribution of tourism sectors frontline ambassadors
Sharjah, March 2, 2015: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the launch of Sharjah Tour Guide Alumni to recognise the key role played by tourist guides as the front line ambassadors of Sharjahs tourism sector. The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, aims to promote the general welfare of tourist guides and strengthen their ties with the SCTDA.
Launched to coincide with the International Tourist Guide Day on February 21, the Sharjah Tour Guide Alumni offers a series of incentives to tour guides, including a rewards programme that will enable the guides and their families to enjoy various tourist destinations as well as hospitality facilities, restaurants, health clubs and shopping malls across the emirate of Sharjah. The guides will receive a regular customised e-newsletter keeping them updated about relevant news and information.
Sharjah Tour Guide Alumni will also offer networking and career development opportunities for the guides. As part of the initiative, workshops will be organised with the local community to enable the guides to enhance their cultural insights and gain hands on experience on historic and contemporary Sharjah.
Tourist Guides have a vital role to play in the success any tourist destination, which in turn contributes to greater economic and social development. SCTDA has launched the Sharjah Tour Guide Alumni as another major step that recognises the contribution tourist guides to Sharjahs tourism sector, said H.E Khalid Al Midfa.
The SCTDA initiative has received overwhelming support from the corporate sector with several commercial partners coming forward to actively participate in the programmes under the Sharjah Tour Guide Alumni. Partners in the initiative are Sharjah Holiday International; Sharjah Marbella Resort; Sharjah Rotana Hotel; Sharjah Oceanic Hotel; Copthorne Hotel, Sharjah; Sharjah Mega Mall and Sahara Centre.
Sharjah has already established a good reputation among tour guides in the UAE with a Tour Guide Course organised by the SCTDA. The Tourist Guide course, under the University of Sharjah, meets the requirements of the World Tourist Guide Federation (WTGF) in Cyprus, and has trained more than100 guides over the last five years.
