Post the COVID-19 pandemic turbulence, Abu Dhabi has been getting back to tourism, thanks to the rapid vaccinations and airline functioning.

While the capital has been extravagant in promoting tourism, tour guides in Abu Dhabi have a piece of good news too. The Department of Culture and Tourism –Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a new
incentive scheme for the licensed tour guides in Abu Dhabi wherein they are encouraged to explore the emirate’s unique culture and experiences.

The new initiative ‘Tour Guide Incentive Scheme’ is a part of the Emirati Touchpoint Strategy, which aims to give visitors more opportunities to explore the Emirati culture, heritage, and themes closely, and meet Abu Dhabi’s people throughout their visits to the UAE capital.

The initiative aims to spark creativity among licensed tour guides, by providing them a range of offers, discounts, and other value deals. They are being encouraged to find out more about destinations while developing dynamic and engaging experiences across the emirate for future visitors.

The offers will be redeemable at different types of attractions, including 25 participating hotels, which are offering tour guides discounts on facilities, such as gyms, spas, access to pools and beaches, F&B, and room rates.

The scheme also has offers on venues like museums and cultural institutions, as well as leisure attractions such as the Yas Island theme parks, etc. wherein guides will receive free entry when escorting groups, as well as discounted tickets for guides and their families when visiting in a personal capacity.

“This incentive scheme acts as a brilliant support initiative for our tourist guides, to help them promote the diverse range of offerings available in our emirate. Visitors will thus have a special opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi authentically, covering the iconic destinations within the emirate, as well as its people and culture,” shared Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing for DCT Abu Dhabi.

At present, Abu Dhabi has about 1,122 licensed tour guides, all of whom are eligible to be part of this scheme to support the promotion of the tourism industry.