New registrants to a free online training programme that aims to supply travel trade partners across the GCC with expert destination knowledge on the UK reached 700 in November, said a report.

The travel agents have until January 23, 2012 to complete the course, said Dnata, a major travel group in the region.

VisitBritain invites travel professionals from GCC countries to sign up for the BritAgent E-Learning Programme, a scheme that aims to equip the local travel sector with UK knowledge and strengthen the relationship between UAE travel trade and UK suppliers.

The number of registered users of the programme in the UAE currently stands at 304. Across the emirates, graduates of the programme reached 127 since its launch in September.

The E-learning Programme, designed to help front-line travel sales staff increase visitor numbers to the UK with a more in depth knowledge of Britain, consists of five modules followed by a quiz. On completion, BritAgent status is awarded to signify expertise in UK travel.

The scheme was launched at the British Consulate in Jeddah in September as part of a unified approach to highlight regional awareness of the UK ahead of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“With world-stage events such as the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, travel agents play a crucial role in assisting our visitors to plan and book their holidays to Britain. The BritAgent programme provides travel agents with the necessary tools to offer improved service to customers, consequently increasing their business,” said Carol Maddison, Manager UAE, VisitBritain.

“The increase in user registrations to the E-Learning Programme confirms that local travel agents will provide the best service and knowledge to regional travellers visiting Britain during the coming months. The BritAgent Programme emphasises our total commitment to the travel trade industry. It is very important in helping us achieve our objectives of increasing tourism traffic and increasing the spending of travellers to the UK,” she added. – TradeArabia News Service