VisitBritain, UK’s national tourism agency, has named around 40 UAE travel firms to take part in its online training programme designed to give agents more knowledge on Britain.

Representatives from several major travel agencies from across Dubai have been presented with BritAgent learning starter kits following the recent launch of the VisitBritain free online training programme.

The e-learning programme, designed to help front-line travel sales staff increase visitor numbers to the UK through a more in depth knowledge of Britain, consists of three modules followed by a quiz. On completion, BritAgent status will be awarded to signify expertise in UK travel.

“By signing up for this training we hope to improve the performance of our staff in promoting Britain and to try and deliver the right and useful information to our customers. If we invest in this initiative correctly and effectively it will improve our business to Britain,” said Maher Azizia, manager, SATA Holidays.

The e-training will commence in the coming weeks as part of a unified approach to highlighting regional awareness of the UK ahead of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralymic Games.

“The launch event of the BritAgent E-programme on September 29 was a complete success. This is a fantastic opportunity for both VisitBritain and UAE travel agents to work together,” said Carol Maddison, UAE manager, VisitBritain.

“We aim to provide these travel agents with the necessary tools to offer improved services to customers, consequently increasing their business and we look forward to meeting other travel agents that may decide to enroll at a later date,” she added.

Since the launch, an additional 35 nominations from 11 travel agencies have signed up to take part in the online learning programme, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service