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Seventeen Emirati Zayed University students, from the Communications & Media and Business faculty, have graduated from a 10-month ‘Ambassador’ programme spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which has seen them present ‘the face’ of the destination to a range of visitors.
The scheme, now in its second year, culminated in the girls acting as ‘ambassadors’ to the hosted buyers from over 20 countries who last week attended the third and largest Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings exhibition (GIBTM) at ADNEC.
The students were welcomed to the graduation ceremony by Nasser Al Reyami, Director Tourism Standards ADTA who praised their performance and said feedback from the hosted buyers was extremely positive.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Hessa Al Romaithi, a 4th year student at Zayed University described the programme as a “first step in becoming an official ambassador for my country.” Hessa said the students had been “inspired” by the programme which led to some graduates joining the ADTA staff. “Whatever path they have taken, they are very successful and using skills they gained through the programme.”
She added: “This programme is not only a course in the university catalogue; it is an experience that has been highly recommended by the students who have taken the course before. To start with, we were educated on the importance of cultural leadership in today’s fast paced world. Second, we gained interpersonal skills through engaging with people and guiding them to an insightful understanding of Arab culture.
“This opportunity will not be forgotten even through the many years that come. It was this programme that helped us discover ourselves. It taught us how we can contribute to our society, specifically in the field of tourism which is developing day-by-day.
“After working very closely with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Reed Travel Exhibitions, which organises GIBTM, we are now thinking outside the box with big hopes for a brighter future.”
The students were congratulated by Graeme Barnett of Reed Travel Exhibitions who said they played a vital role in GIBTM’s on-site team. “From what I have seen and heard you have all truly embraced the challenges of working in this professional business environment,” he said.
Barnett said the initiative to have the girls work on the GIBTM event had fulfilled its three main objectives of providing hands-on experience in a relevant professional working environment, of ensuring that the experience enables the students to make career choices in the tourism sector, and hopefully the meetings industry and of providing GIBTM guests with the chance to gain real insight into the Arab culture.
After receiving their graduation certificates from His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA the students were received at the ADTA pavilion at GIBTM by His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council who congratulated them on their efforts and urged them to use their skills to advance the programme.
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