Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, SCTDA, has announced the launch of a comprehensive training programme, ‘Marhabtain' (meaning Most Welcome in Arabic), activating one of the key pillars of the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 to enhance efficiencies through collaborative action and promote Sharjah as a destination with world class tourism facilities and capabilities.

In the first phase of the initiative, SCTDA has partnered with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) to start a training programme for taxi drivers in Sharjah to improve their service delivery and equip them with capabilities to provide a better experience for visitors to the emirate.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference at Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah, Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of SCTDA said ‘Marhabtain' will develop human capabilities in various sectors through workshops and forums for top level management, and training workshops for hotel managers, travel agents and employees in various other sectors connected to the tourism industry. The training programmes will especially focus on enhancing the capabilities of frontline employees who deal directly with tourists, Al Noman said. ‘Marhabtain' will also include another initiative to encourage training of UAE nationals and enhance the Emiratisation process in the tourism sector, Al Noman added.

"As the key entity in the development of Sharjah's leisure and business tourism industry, SCTDA is committed to present excellence in every area of tourism. Under the pillar ‘World Class Tourism Facilities and Capabilities' of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, we are happy to partner with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority to launch the first phase of ‘Marhabtain', enabling taxi drivers to offer a welcoming experience to tourists. It will not only enhance the overall image of the taxi service in Sharjah but also contribute to making Sharjah the ideal family destination," said Al Noman said.

The training programme is the first phase of ‘Marhabtain' and will help taxi drivers project a positive image during their interaction with customers, and in the process become representatives of excellence in customer service. The programme will also provide them the training to handle passengers with special needs.

Taxi drivers will be educated on essential tourism related information, including key facts about Sharjah, important tourist locations, and major activities and events. They will also be equipped to showcase Sharjah as a preferred destination for shopping, dining, sports and hotel stays, attractive incentives will be provided to taxi drivers and taxi operators who generate support and positive results from the training programme.

The training programme extends over a period of one to two years during which up to 5,000 taxi drivers will be trained with an average of 20 to 25 trainees attending each session.
Source: WAM