Cabin crew as tourism ambassadors

In a first in the Middle East region, flyadeal has announced that Saudi cabin crew will be trained as certified tour guides in support of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to build a dynamic tourism industry. The programme will target 800 crew by 2030 for comprehensive tour guide training in which they will embrace wider learnings of Saudi Arabia’s culture and historical attractions.

TT Bureau

A training institute accredited to the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism will conduct the courses. flyadeal will invite applications for the courses, specifically designed for Saudi nationals, over the next few weeks.

Elaborating on the plan, Steven Greenway, Chief Executive Officer, flyadeal, said: “flyadeal continues to push the boundaries with employee initiatives designed to enhance their personal development and professional skills. This new training programme, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will empower crew and equip them with the skills and confidence to engage with visitors as official tourism ambassadors.”

Upon completion of the training, the crew members will receive a licence as tourism ambassadors enabling them to hone their skills as official guides engaging with passengers in a private capacity. “As licensed tour guides, the beauty of the programme allows our crew to use their new-found skills while interacting with passengers and also harness their experience by taking tourists on guided tours around the wonderful historic sites that the Kingdom is so renowned for,” Greenway added.

To kick-off the programme, flyadeal crew were given a guided tour of the fascinating Dirayah district – the birthplace of Saudi Arabia – in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh. They explored and learned more about the traditional mud-brick architecture and cultural sites being restored to their former glory, but more importantly gained insights into what it takes to become a certified tour guide. Massive investment is underway in the Dirayah project being developed as the nation’s historical, cultural and lifestyle destination.

With Saudi Arabia looking to welcome 150 million domestic and international visitors by 2030 as part of the nation’s economic diversification strategy, tourism infrastructure is scaling up across the country. Saudi Arabia is on a fast track to redefine its position on the global tourism map with large-scale projects, airport upgrades, and mega aviation cities being developed. flyadeal is already playing a key role in national efforts to promote tourism in the country. The Saudi-based airline operates a large domestic network.