Emirates has unveiled its pioneering online training to empower South African travel professionals in conjunction with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA).
The airline revealed from September 16th, 2023, South African travel professionals can access free online courses and training resources designed to equip them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the travel and tourism sector.
This initiative could potentially revolutionise new travel professionals’ capabilities and support the broader travel industry’s resurgence.
Emirates Online Training Aimed At Building Capacity
As the travel industry in South Africa gradually regains momentum, one of its key challenges is the need for a skilled and qualified workforce. Recognising this, Emirates has taken the lead in creating an avenue for individuals to develop the right skillsets and qualifications through free online courses. These courses are hosted on the Dubai College of Tourism’s (DCT) online platform, a well-established institution known for its commitment to excellence in education and training.
The curriculum begins with the basics, ensuring participants grasp the fundamentals of being a travel agent, including industry terminology, travel booking procedures, and handling common industry inquiries and proposals. As participants progress through the courses, they will gain hands-on experience preparing quotations, booking supplier products and services, and managing travel-related documentation.
The courses use Dubai as a primary market example, offering insights into the travel industry value chain and utilising Emirates’ products and services to illustrate airline retailing and distribution systems. This contextual approach enhances the participants’ understanding of the industry while introducing them to Dubai as a popular destination among South African travellers.
Certified Expertise for a Brighter Future
Upon completing the online courses, travel professionals will receive a valuable certificate of completion. ASATA, Emirates, and the Dubai College of Tourism will endorse this certificate.
Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Afzal Parambil, expressed the airline’s dedication to bolstering the South African travel industry, emphasising the importance of skilled professionals for its resurgence.
Emirates is proud to offer courses in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism and ASATA, providing essential skills that align with the sector’s needs and offering recognised knowledge and qualifications to build a pool of highly trained, effective travel professionals.
Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, underscored the significance of training and knowledge for career advancement and employability. He noted that:
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) is delighted to play a pivotal role in nurturing tourism professionals by offering meticulously tailored programs that meet industry requirements.
The Association of Southern African Travel Agents CEO, Otto de Vries, also spoke of the sector’s commitment to quality education and development, praising the collaborative effort, stating the Emirates online training would drive progress and equip professionals with the tools to excel in a dynamic industry.
The path to a brighter future for South Africa’s travel and tourism sector starts with education, and Emirates is leading the way. More information on enrolling in the Emirates online training courses can be found on the Dubai College of Tourism website.
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