News

BTEA launches World Class Training to Empower Tour Guides

by BTM

Tue, 25 September 2018

bahrain tour guides

Tour guides in Bahrain can now hone their skills by enrolling in a specialised training program that has been announced by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). The comprehensive training program launched in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WTFGA), is aimed at developing the skills of tour guides in order to achieve high standards of service.

The first phase of the program will be held between September22 and October 15, and will train 100 tour guides and can benefit from the option of enhancing one’s individual practical skills through specific courses.  The second phase entitled Train the Trainer will be held between October 15 - 22 and will focus on  preparing a group of mentors who in turn will help trainers gain accreditation from the UNWTO.

Director of Facilities and Tourism Services at BTEA, Hesham Al Saken said the training program was part of the BTEA’s strategy to develop the Kingdom’s tourism sector, by transforming it into one of the chief contributors to the national economy, and thus support the Kingdom’s 2030 Economic Vision. “Through this initiative, we aim to increase the number of tour guides in the Kingdom to 200 to better meet the market’s needs. By having well-qualified tour guides, we aim to further promote the Kingdom as an ideal tourist destination,” he commented. He added that BTEA was working closely with local and international bodies in order to attract visitors from around the world.

The goal is to enhance the visitor experience and to increase their overall length of stay, which in turn would benefit the Kingdom’s tourism sector.