Qatar is expecting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ to attract over one million tourists and visitors. With this in mind, Qatar Tourism has come up with a cool initiative that offers a great chance for eligible residents to become official tour guides in Qatar.

What is the Tour Guide Programme?

The Tour Guide Programme initiative is part of Qatar Tourism’s efforts to elevate Service Excellence in the tourism sector and provide an unforgettable experience to residents and visitors. It will give applicants the opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their competency in the tourism industry, thus broadening the country’s appeal to visitors and ensure they experience the very best of Qatar.

In collaboration with stakeholders, the programme aims to raise standards and regulate tourism service providers by granting official tour guide licenses to those who successfully complete the required task.

How can you become a licensed and official tour guide?

• Step 1: Apply to be a tour guide in Qatar at www.qatartourguides.com or by visiting counter 44, first floor, Al-Jassra Tower at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) building in Lusail.

Application requirements:

1. Valid QID and passport copies
2. At least 21 years old
3. Curriculum vitae (CV)
4. Copy of highest educational qualification
5. Language certificate/s
6. Completed application form
7. Recommendation letter from a recognized Tour Operator or Tour Guide Association
8. One passport size photograph
9. Police Clearance Certificate (no older than 6 months)
10. Medical Certificate

• Step 2: Successful applicants then begin a two-week training course. The training includes three days in a classroom, eight days of practical training visiting key sites in Qatar, and ends with an assessment day. This course covers the knowledge and skills required to become a licensed guide in Qatar and is delivered in English. A certificate is issued upon successfully passing the training assessments.

• Step 3: Qatar Tourism will issue an official Tour Guide License to all those who have passed the training.

Fees:

1. Exam fee: QR 1,200
2. Tour Guide license issuance fee: QR 1,000

Note: Fees waived for new applications in 2021/2022

Why is the tour guide training programme important?

Berthold Trenkel from Qatar Tourism said:

“As the main point of contact for visitors, tour guides need to be able to tell stories, giving visitors information and insights into the country’s history, culture, and heritage, that will help deliver an unparalleled experience. As part of our Tourism Sector Strategy, we are working closely with all tourism-facing entities to implement Service Excellence at every touchpoint of the visitor’s journey.”

Trenkel added:

“With Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 around the corner, we need more guides to cater to the huge number of visitors who will be arriving in the country.”

Since the beginning of the programme in 2017, more than 100 tour guides have been trained, helping position Qatar as an ideal tourist spot.

Join Qatar Tourism’s Tour Guide Training Programme and be part of our guests’ enjoyable and memorable holiday visits!

Source: Qatar Tourism
Cover image: Shutterstock

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Marivie

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