Training will be boost for hotel staff

Three-month course for hospitality sector workers will unify knowledge of tourism

DUBAI // Staff working on the front line in the tourism industry will be able to brush up on their knowledge of the emirate’s attractions and landmarks by enrolling in new training course. Dubai College of Tourism is offering the three- month course to those who regularly come face to face with tourists, including concierges, waiters, cab drivers and hotel staff, who will have to correctly answer questions on a range of subjects related to the emirate. Essa bin Hadher, general manager of the college, said the Dh375 course would “ensure everyone has the same knowledge to answer tourists”.

Michael Petrillose, the college’s academic director, said students could work online.

“They can do it at their own convenience, at home on a laptop, on a smartphone. The goal is to standardise this knowledge and understanding.”

The college, the first vocational training institute for the tourism industry, will take students of all ages when it opens in September. It will offer qualifications from foundation to diploma level in subjects ranging from hospitality to culinary arts.

It is hoped it will help to attract more Emiratis to the industry, said Mr bin Hadher.

It is believed about 4 per cent of the emirate’s tourism staff are UAE nationals.

“The industry benefits from having nationals,” Mr bin Hadher said. “They want this indigenous experience. We clarify with families and locals the misconceptions about working in the tourism industry. We explain the strategy and potential opportunities.”

With Dubai’s goal of attracting 20 million tourists a year by 2020, there is a need for manpower. Since January, Dubai Tourism has run English courses as part of its Emiratisation programme to attract school leavers and graduates.

“We are educating families to understand the career opportunities for growth among locals,” Mr Petrillose said.

Once open, the college will undergo accreditation from Dubai’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

The appeal of cheaper courses, a quick route into employment and strong links to the industry should make the college appealing to students of all nationalities, Mr bin Hadher said.

A six-month introduction to tourism foundation course costs Dh16,000, while diplomas can cost up to Dh60,000 a year.