The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Emaar Hospitality Group recently signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of global hospitality trends and continues to offer unparalleled services to guests. The agreement seeks to enhance marketing and promotional efforts, develop tourism products and experiences, and provide training and capacity building.
Issam Kazim, CEO of DET’s Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Mark Kirby, Head of Emaar Hospitality Group, recently signed the agreement at DET’s headquarters.
“Hospitality has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s journey towards becoming one of the most visited and most popular destinations in the world, with Emaar playing a crucial role in the city’s growth story,” stated Kazim.
Key areas of focus
A key focus area under the agreement is marketing and promotion. Therefore, DET and Emaar Hospitality Group will develop and implement innovative strategies that highlight Dubai’s unique attractions and experiences. The collaboration seeks to showcase Dubai as a must-visit destination and enhance the city’s global reputation.
“We are confident that this collaboration will add to Dubai’s tourism momentum and global appeal by elevating the visitor and guest experience. This MoU reflects our commitment to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global leader in tourism and hospitality,” he added.
The two entities will also focus on developing new tourism products and experiences that cater to diverse visitor interests. Moreover, they will integrate Dubai’s rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and luxurious hospitality offerings. This will allow DET and Emaar Hospitality Group to also identify packages and experiences that highlight Dubai’s offerings and attractions.
Furthermore, DET aims to facilitate training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of Emaar Hospitality Group staff. This includes specialized training sessions, workshops, and certification programs that seek to equip employees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices.
“Through this partnership, we aim to enhance Dubai’s appeal, drive visitor growth, and set new standards for excellence in the hospitality industry,” Kirby noted.
Read: Etihad Airways launches year-round double-daily flights to top European destinations
Dubai’s record-breaking 17.15 million visitors
After achieving a record-breaking 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, the growth of Dubai’s tourism sector has maintained its momentum into 2024. Dubai welcomed 10.62 million international overnight visitors from January to July 2024, an 8 percent annual increase.
Dubai’s hotel sector also continued to perform well across all metrics in the first seven months of the year. The sector reported an occupancy rate of 77.1 percent which is among the highest in the world.
The total available rooms in Dubai reached 151,417 by the end of July 2024. In addition, the number of establishments stood at 825, up from 813 at the same time last year.
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