Abu Dhabi brings Disney in to train tourism execs

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has teamed up with Disney Institute to provide a series of seminars intended to inspire industry leadership, and improve service quality and management in the emirate’s tourism sector.

The seminar programme, which runs at the Shangri-la Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi from October 31 to November 2, is being subsidised by ADTA. UAE nationals will be offered places on a complimentary basis.

"This initiative lives up to our commitment to deliver best practice across our stakeholder engagement programme," said Nasser Al Reyami, tourism standards director, ADTA.

"The seminars are rare opportunities to learn from a company that has consistently led the way in the hospitality, tourism and entertainment industries. We hope that, in the spirit of Disney, our stakeholders will be inspired to deliver world-class employee- and customer satisfaction, memorable experiences and improved bottom-line results."

The programme begins with a seminar and workshop devoted to 'Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence' and is aimed at hospitality and tourism general managers, divisional directors and line managers.

"Among a series of success criteria to be examined will be the methods needed to sustain momentum towards achieving goals which will be much needed in Abu Dhabi's heightened destination competiveness," explained Paul Ram Prakash, industry professional development, ADTA.

The second seminar will focus on 'Disney's Approach to People Management' and is aimed at hospitality and tourism organisation leaders, human resource and training managers as well as team leaders.

"This will help stakeholders understand how to integrate their organisational culture into employee selection, training and care ,and provide a supportive environment that celebrates success," explained Prakash.

The final seminar is devoted to 'Disney's Approach to Quality Service' and is targeted at hospitality and tourism employees and staff of tourism-related government authorities holding supervisory roles, executive or management positions.

"Attention to detail can be the difference between mediocre customer experience and world-class, memorable ones that drive positive word-of-mouth and repeat business," said Prakash.

"In this single day, delegates will be able to benefit from Disney Institute's experience in quality service and learn to think differently by exploring the world-renowned Disney principles for service excellence."