Local Tour Guides to 'Talk the Walk' on Friday 16th February
Dubai's tour guides will have the chance to demonstrate their city knowledge and compete for the title of 'Tour Guide of the Year' tomorrow, with free tours for city residents.
The inaugural Dubai Tour Guide Festival will take place from 2-5pm on Friday, February 16th with a free 30-minute walking tour of the historic Shindagah area or 45-minute tour of Al Ahmadiya School, the city's first educational institute.
All tours will start from the popular Heritage and Diving Village, and themes will include an insight into the cultural history of Dubai, the traditional economy of the Emirates, the origins of the ruling Al Maktoum family, the story of the creek's development and Port Saeed, the relevance of dhow trading to the city and the architecture of the area's buildings and souks.
Residents and visitors are invited to join in, and the tours will be conducted on a first come, first served basis.
The event is organised by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in association with Concierge magazine, supported by Dubai Women's College, and sponsored by Wafi City.
Commenting on the event, Claire Malcolm, editor of Concierge magazine, said, "The role of Dubai's accredited tour guides as tourism ambassadors for the emirate is invaluable.
"This competition not only gives them the opportunity to showcase their considerable knowledge and raise the tour guide profile among residents and visitors, but will also see their talents officially recognised."
Victoria Smith, Group Marketing Director for Wafi City decided to sponsor another key initiative in conjunction with DTCM and stated her reasoning for becoming involved, "As tourism and hospitality become pillars of the UAE economy, it is important to ensure visitors to Dubai always enjoy their experience and carry with them fond memories of times they have spent here.
Providing a high level of service and information, with a friendly touch, is vital to ensure repeat visits and visitor loyalty.
Wafi is proud to work with Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing to help improve another aspect of service standards in this fast-developing city".
All participants on the walks will be asked to complete a tour appreciation form which will be collected at the end of the tour and reviewed by the judging panel in order to select Dubai's first 'Tour Guide of the Year' at a ceremony on February 19th.
Each participating guide will receive a commemorative award and special category prizes will be awarded to those guides who achieve distinction in their walking tours.
The top prize of 'Dubai Tour Guide of the Year' will be awarded to the individual who demonstrates outstanding knowledge, ability and customer service levels, and they will receive a prize of a Nile Cruise for two, sponsored by Concierge Magazine, and Dhs4,000 cash from DTCM.
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About Wafi
Wafi City is part of the Wafi Group, owned and operated by MKM LLC. Wafi Mall offers world class shopping, as it accommodates 250 shops and is a leading venue for international brands with many exclusive labels. Wafi City is a premier destination that includes world class restaurants, cafs, an extensive health & leisure complex with the stunning Cleopatra's Spa.
For more information please contact:
Sally Meech
Public Relations Manager
Central Marketing, Wafi
P.O Box 6850, Dubai
Tel: 04 3244426
E-mail: sally.meech@wafi.com
Website: www.wafi.com
© Press Release 2007
