Local tour company Secret Paradise announced the commencement of a 'Work Experience' programme for Maldives students.
The two-week experience, aimed towards students between the ages of 14 to 18, will be hosted at Secret Paradise's head office in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale'.
The programme comprises a variety of activities including an introduction to Secret Paradise and local tourism, health and safety, risk management, guiding skills, airport handling and delivering memorable experiences.
Interested students are required to submit their CV to Secret Paradise after which shortlisted candidates will be called in for an interview to finalise participants for the work experience program.
Secret Paradise Co-Founder Ruth Franklin stated that "people have always been at the core of our business and we felt opportunities for students to get involved and understand local tourism was not readily available".
Additionally, she highlighted the increasing demand for experiential travel opportunities in the tourism sector, adding that interaction with locals and exploring countries through their perspective allowed tourists to connect to destinations in a unique way.
"We believe that no one would know the Maldives better than a Maldivian. Hence, with the exception of myself, the Secret Paradise Tours team is 100 percent local - something I am very proud of".
Secret Paradise Co-Founder Ruth also asserted that the programme provided an excellent opportunity as a growing business to identify potential talent and future guides.
Yunus Ziyad, a participant of the pilot program held the previous year said that, "I am proud to have been part of the Secret Paradise team during my work experience. They not only taught me the essentials to be a responsible guide but to also enjoy the work that I do and to satisfy the guests' needs no matter how hard the request".
Established in 2012, Secret Paradise provides a range of multi-day guided local island tours, day tours and guesthouse accommodation options. Awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2019, Secret Paradise offers tours designed to allow guests to engage with locals people and experience the best of Maldives.
The Secret Paradise guiding team undergoes training including EFR and Life Saving Skills Certification as well as tour guiding certification. Guides can also participate in tour leader development programs through Secret Paradise's international travel partners and destination training delivered in conjunction with Shorthouse Hospitality.
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