Category Archives: Govt

Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) has been restructured with the appointment of Asim Arshad, CEO, Orient Travel, as the President of the group along with Sumit Acharya, Managing Director BCD Travel, as the Vice President. The group has also revamped the Executive Committee to include industry stalwarts from leading travel agencies, namely Jamal Abdulnazer -CEO Cozmo Travel, Aubrey Heldt – General Manager Kanoo Travel, SavioVaz – Vice President Dnata Travel, Nasir Khan – CEO Al Nabooda Travel, JayaramIyer – Managing Director Sharaf Travel, Narendra Bhatia – Managing Director Team Travel, Santosh Cheriyan, Regional General Manager Akbar Travel. The groups Executive Committee members have been actively working closely with many travel companies and entities in order to coordinate and devise the best strategy to steer their businesses out of the challenges they are currently facing due to COVID-19. Managing the impact of the post COVID scenario on the travel industry and meeting potential changes to consumer behaviour and expectations are key areas of focus for DTTAG and its members in the immediate future. Therefore, DTTAG is playing a pivotal role in facilitating a forum for travel agency members to interact with one another with the goal of meeting needs of a variety of consumers and simultaneously achieving their own business goals through support and cooperation offered by the group’s members and government organisations involved with the Travel and Tourism industry. DTTAG, which enjoys the ongoing support of Emquest a division of the Emirates group and other associate members, has embarked upon an aggressive membership drive among the travel agency community by demonstrating value and effectively representing them with various airlines, government departments, IATA and other partners in the travel …

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is going the extra mile to ensure that all its hospitality, ecotourism and leisure destinations, which are scheduled to open in a phased manner, will strictly adhere to the UAE government’s health and safety protocols to ensure the highest levels of protection of all their visitors, residents and staff. Shurooq has announced the completion of a sterilisation and disinfection drive across its properties, and has opened its doors to their popular leisure and entertainment destinations, Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Noor Island, The Flag Island, Heart of Sharjah, Mleiha Archaeological & Ecotourism Project, Khorfakkan Beach, Maraya Art Centre and 1971-Design Space In addition, its state-of-the-art City Sightseeing Sharjah (CSS) buses have begun to ply, transporting guests to tourist sites across the emirate. Shurooq’s hospitality offerings including The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah and all three Sharjah Collection properties – Al Badayer Retreat, Al Faya Retreat and Kingfisher Retreat – are offering attractive staycation packages for individuals, couples and families, and will be offering these hotel stays in line with the UAE’s precautionary health instructions and guidelines aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19. According to Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq, “We are therefore working closely with the government authorities to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained, and that all recommended precautionary and preventive measures are in place for our guests to enjoy a well-rounded destination experience. Shurooq has a single-minded approach in enforcing these protocols and expect our guests to fully cooperate and take individual responsibility for their own safety and well-being while visiting all our destinations. We look forward to welcoming them again.”

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) held a virtual meeting with key aviation and hospitality partners to discuss current and post-pandemic strategies and joint initiatives aimed at ensuring the tourism industry’s gradual return to normalcy. The meeting also discussed global efforts to minimise the transmission of COVID-19 and precautionary measures deployed to safeguard the health of communities across the UAE. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, commented, “It must be emphasised that the health and safety of our residents and guests will always remain our top priority as we continue to work with the industry and our government partners not just during this critical period but beyond, to develop innovative approaches, real-time responses, and proactive yet prudent initiatives to ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of the world’s leading destinations in line with our strategy.” Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “As health and hygiene standards will play an influential role in encouraging people to travel, we have put in place a set of health and safety protocols at our airports including all necessary quarantine arrangements and the implementation of sanitisation and disinfection measures to reassure tourists that Dubai is one of the safest destinations to visit. We will also continue to receive incoming flights from select destinations, operate cargo flights, as well as flights to repatriate expatriates and guests to their home destinations.” Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates Airline, said, “Emirates commences passenger flights between Dubai and nine destinations from 21 May – London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne, and we will also offer connections in Dubai for customers travelling between the UK and …

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), an institution established by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), is helping students to stay focused and engaged during the current period of self-isolation and social distancing through its interactive online learning programme. Ensuring there are no gaps in their learning, the motivational programme enables students to continue building key industry skills and knowledge whilst studying towards their chosen course and preparing for remote internships upon the completion of the semester. By introducing virtual learning techniques, the college’s inspirational instructors have been able to minimise disruption to student development by following the same schedule as if they were in the classroom, with virtual interactive sessions that include a mix of practical demonstrations, live guest speakers, Q &As, group presentations, role-plays and assessments, which are then presented online. Commenting on the programme, Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT said, “The situation we are facing today is unprecedented, but we have endeavoured to adapt to the new reality with our distance learning initiative. By developing a comprehensive and integrated electronic learning and training environment, we are able to empower our students to continue their education with as little disruption as possible, and remain resourceful and fully engaged at this time. The initial response from our students has been very positive and we commend both them and our highly professional instructors for embracing this new system so seamlessly.” DCT’s distance learning programme also goes beyond practical and theoretical learning to provide mental health support including yoga, nutrition, and tips for remaining motivated. The ‘Wellbeing Challenge’ was introduced to provide students with a holistic package over the Spring break to help combat the disruption to …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for aviation-specific financial relief measures from the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address the severe impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the air transport sector. IATA estimates that revenues generated by airlines in the Saudi market will fall by $7.2 billion in 2020, 35 per cent below 2019 levels. That puts at risk nearly 287,500 Saudi jobs and $17.9 billion of Saudi’s GDP, which is generated by aviation directly and aviation-related tourism. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the Saudi government has introduced broad economic relief measures in excess of $32 billion in financial support for the private sector. It has also provided support for air transport by suspending the airport slot use rules for the summer season and extending licenses and certifications for crew, trainers and examiners. We urge the government to build on this and implement specific financial relief measures for aviation to ensure that the sector will be capable of driving the recovery. “Saudi Arabia has announced financial relief measures for sectors affected by COVID-19, but not specifically for aviation. Given the industry’s role in social and economic development as well as achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, it is important the government prioritises aviation and provide urgent financial relief,” said Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. “Without a viable air transport sector, we can expect a slow and painful economic recovery. Before the crisis, Saudi Arabia was moving at full speed and achieving tangible results in modernisation, infrastructure development and economic growth,” said Albakri.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is working closely with hospitality partners and government authorities to safely welcome guests back to the Emirate as restrictions are gradually eased, and hotel pools and beaches become accessible to visitors. To ensure the wellbeing and safety of visitors and employees, the Authority is in ongoing dialogue with hotel partners to ensure they are strictly adhering to government and public health guidelines and complying with all social distancing advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the UAE Federal Authorities. RAKTDA is also working closely with the Public Service Department (PSD) to oversee a dedicated certification process – the RAK ‘Stay Safe’ Hotel Certification – whereby hotels are required to fulfil a detailed set of measures to attain the certification. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority comments, “We are working closely with our hospitality partners and Government Authorities to ensure the highest standards of hygiene are maintained and that all social distancing advisories are strictly adhered to across the Emirate. Detailed guidance has been shared with our industry partners indicating best practice measures to be implemented across all operations and divisions.” He added, “To help reassure our guests, colleagues and residents, we have also introduced the RAK ‘Stay Safe’ Hotel Certification that, once awarded, hotels can use to demonstrate their adoption of all the measures in place to protect everyone’s wellbeing. We know that many people are looking forward to what we’ve termed a ‘shortcation’ or longer holiday and our aim is give them the confidence that they can comfortably enjoy their time in Ras Al Khaimah.”

Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) an initiative of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) outlines simple adjustments that residents can make to help keep the city operating as sustainably as possible during the period of lockdown. Building on the UAE’s #StayHome initiative, DTCM laid out 12 steps to sustainability, which are; Responsible consumption: purchase local produce to support local businesses and to minimise on the food miles each item has travelled to be delivered to your door; Meal Planning: Think ahead to avoid over buying or bulk purchases, consider the delivery drivers, remain conscious of food waste and be supportive of the community by only buying what you need. Maximise Natural Light: Turn the lights off in rooms that aren’t being used and open your curtains and windows for additional daylight and fresh air; Energy Conservation: Ensure that air conditioning units are only working in rooms that are being used, try to only run the dishwasher when it is full and only use one glass throughout the day, washing it once you’ve finished with it. Use water wisely: Support Dubai and educate your family members on conscious water usage; Concentration: Avoid distractions, set house rules for your family members to respect working time and don’t have the television on in the background if not being watched. Health and wellbeing: Remain active, and practice meditation to remain productive and to maintain a positive frame of mind, follow Yoga La Vie for live online sessions. Avoid sitting on the sofa whilst working, sitting upright at a desk will keep you engaged and in ‘work mode’; Go paperless: Avoid printing paper and adopt a digital filing and document review system. Virtual …

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introduces an ‘Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA’ certification aimed at elevating the country’s tourism industry standards and developing confidence among tourists, including visitors from the Middle East. The project is part of TAT’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and accelerate recovery in the travel and tourism sector. The Amazing Thailand SHA certification is to prepare Thai tourism operators to be ready for the return of tourism post COVID-19. Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East, said, “As the pandemic has currently halted the travel, we have taken this time to prepare ourselves for when restrictions are lifted. The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA certification puts emphasis on hygiene and sanitation measures across all stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector in order to inspire confidence in our visitors and assure them that we are taking all the necessary precautions during their time with us.” TAT is currently working on details of the Amazing Thailand SHA certification together with the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Board of Trade of Thailand, Federation of Thai Spa and Wellness Association, Thai Retailers Association, Thai Hotels Association, Association of Domestic Travel, Thai Amusement and Leisure Park Association, Thai Restaurant Association, Thai Spa Association, Thai Boats Association, and Event Management Association.

The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), together with the State Tourism Agency (STA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in cooperation with Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA), has announced the launch of an innovative programme called SAHMAN (Sanitation and Hygiene Methods and Norms). It is a nationwide campaign set to transform Azerbaijan’s existing health, safety and hygiene standards. Supported by the UNWTO, it also reaffirms the country’s commitment towards providing a world-class tourism destination for its citizens and future visitors alike in the post-pandemic world. ATB is finalising talks with international firm PwC to audit and certify these standards. As part of the countrywide measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, SAHMAN is founded upon safety, transparency, social responsibility and inclusivity. The programme will adopt a holistic approach to fuel innovation across the tourism industry, ensuring the involvement of all relevant public and private partners, and the safety of those working in the sector. It will culminate with the launch of Azerbaijan’s Domestic Tourism Campaign this summer. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board commented, “The current global pandemic has brought to light the need to reassess and enhance our standards across the industry. The SAHMAN programme calls upon all stakeholders in Azerbaijan to adopt even better practices in their businesses in the interest of safeguarding public health and supporting the regrowth of the industry. With this long-term shift in behaviour, we aim to ensure that these higher standards will be upheld beyond the current crisis.” To launch the campaign, ATB and STA have partnered with the Azerbaijan Hotel Association (AHA), Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA), regional municipalities and DMOs, with plans to …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), is offering its employees the opportunity to add value to their professional careers and broaden their skill sets through a range of online courses, while they continue to work from home due to the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19. Offered in both Arabic and English languages, the courses can be accessed via the online platform of Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), an institution established and mandated by Dubai Tourism to provide vocational and tertiary education, specifically for Emiratis and expatriates who are keen to take up a career in tourism or be employed in tourist-facing roles across various sectors. With a specially curated curriculum that meets the needs of both students and future employers, DCT courses move away from the traditional academic university programmes to provide a hands-on approach that is unrivalled within the industry. With the office environment going virtual during the current period, the entire Dubai Tourism workforce is taking some time out from their busy work schedules to enroll for courses of their choice on DCT’s online platform. Over 30 per cent of the workforce is engaged in following the courses on a daily basis with course completion rates reaching 85 per cent. This figure easily surpasses the global average of less than 10 per cent for online learning course completion. Participants can choose from 50 different courses offering over 500 hours of learning content in the areas of business, digital marketing and the recently introduced Tips and Tricks for Microsoft Teams and the ‘Working remotely from home’ course. The diverse topics include Google Analytics for Beginners, Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, Business Writing, Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity, Information …