Doha: Qatar Tourism's Service Excellence Academy, in collaboration with Qatar Youth Hostels, has opened registration for the Tour Guide Training Programme Series. This initiative invites community members and tourism enthusiasts to participate, aiming to attract local talent passionate about tourism and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to become ambassadors, sharing Qatar's unique story and culture with visitors worldwide.
According to Qatar News Agency, the program is designed as a continuous development pathway catering to various age groups and experience levels. It ranges from introducing children to tourism concepts and nurturing young talent to licensing professional tour guides and empowering experienced practitioners to mentor future generations. This initiative aligns with the Human Development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and builds on the program's ongoing success. It marks the fourth consecutive collaboration between Qatar Tourism and Qatar Youth Hostels, including workshops, practical training courses, and field visits delivered in partnership with Qatar Museums.
The Tour Guide Training Programme - General Licensing Module is scheduled from July 5 to August 2, 2026, targeting 15 to 25 citizens and residents aged 18 and above. This edition also encourages retirees and senior community members to participate, allowing them to share their deep knowledge of Qatar's culture and tourism sector with trainees, supporting the development of future tour guides. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive official tour guide licenses issued by Qatar Tourism's Licensing Department.
For younger participants, the Youth Tour Guide Training Programme will begin on July 18, 2026, targeting 15 to 25 participants aged 13-17. Participants will be recruited in collaboration with the Teen Centre at Qatar Museums, with the program delivered by graduates of the Train the Trainer initiative.
Running concurrently, the second edition of the Young Tour Guide Summer Camp 2026 will occur at KidzMondo from July 19 to August 27, 2026. The camp will host six groups of 25 children aged 8-12, featuring licensed tour guides who will share their experiences through interactive activities designed to enhance early awareness of Qatar's tourism attractions and experiences.
These programs are supported by the Train the Trainer - Guiding the Next Generation program, which commenced on June 14 and will run until July 1, 2026. This program equips a select group of trainers with the skills required to train and mentor participants in the youth initiatives, ensuring a structured and sustainable transfer of knowledge.
Through this collaborative initiative, Qatar Tourism and Qatar Youth Hostels continue to strengthen the tourism talent pipeline, supporting the sector's long-term growth while inspiring future generations to contribute to Qatar's tourism success.