Seventy-seven young nationals, all aged between 15 and 17, have graduated from Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority's (TCA Abu Dhabi) sixth annual Tourism Youth Summer Camp, organised in conjunction with the European International College (EIC).
The graduates received certificates at an awards ceremony following a behind-the-scenes tour of Abu Dhabi International Airport, organised in partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports Company.
"This was the first time an airport tour had been included in our programme and it resulted in a highly interactive session where the students got a better understanding of the different disciplines needed to keep a facility of this size running successfully," said Fatima Al Melhi, Industry and Tourist Guide Training Unit Head, TCA Abu Dhabi.
The airside fact-finding mission took in the arrival and departures procedures, airside operations, various cabin crew and airline staff roles, state-of-the-art baggage handling system and the visitor welcome offered by Abu Dhabi's customs and immigration staff.
The camp's intensive 15-day programme also saw the students take part in various workshops designed to boost their interpersonal skills and build awareness of the emirate's tourism industry and its economic, social and environmental impacts.
TCA Abu Dhabi says it's now looking to extend the camp programme to 18-20 year-olds, who would undergo a tailored programme of internships with hospitality providers.
"It's something we are seriously looking into," explained Al Mehli. "Initial outreach to stakeholders is proving positive."