Tag Archives: Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing launched the third edition of the Futurism Programme, an entrepreneurial platform for technology start-ups worldwide. Aimed at bringing about a paradigm shift within the industry ecosystem to help create innovative tourism experiences, the third edition is in collaboration with leading professional services company, Accenture, further contributing to the success of the annual start-up programme, which has the ongoing support of industry partners and investors including Tajawal-Seera Group, Atlantis The Palm, Emaar Hospitality Group and the Emirates Group. The 2019 Futurism Programme invites entrepreneurs to submit their applications by  July 31, 2019.  With the goal of contributing towards transforming tourism experiences, the start-ups will showcase technological innovation with solutions to help drive the following Futurism themes; Hyper personalisation, Connected travel,    Digitising operations, First choice destination, Conscious travel, and ‘Phygital’ experience. A judging panel comprising leading technology experts, Dubai Tourism’s senior leadership and its partners across the industry, will select the top 10 start-ups from all entries submitted in the process. Dubai Tourism will announce the winning start-up and a runner-up, who stand to win a prize totalling AED 100,000 as the initial start-up capital. In addition to licensing, the winner will receive relevant visas in Dubai, office space and the opportunity to secure potential future funding. Commenting on the launch of the 2019 Futurism Programme, Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director – Tourism Development & Investments, Dubai Tourism, said, “In line with the Dubai 10X initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop path-breaking strategies and projects that will put Dubai 10 years ahead of other world cities, the Futurism Programme …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has reported a steady increase in tourism volumes from Romania, welcoming 29,670 overnight visitors in the first three months of 2019. Underscoring a 24 per cent year-on-year increase when compared to the same period in 2018, the emirate and its diverse portfolio of attractions has experienced sustained interest and a steady uplift in the number of Romanian travellers choosing Dubai as their destination of choice. Underpinned by Dubai Tourism’s efforts to create targeted and customised experiences for Romanian tourists, the emirate has established itself as a ‘must-visit’ destination by offering a variety of unique and iconic attractions to its target audience. With an evolving market strategy that is well catered to the Romanian tourist profile, the department deploys a custom-market specific approach with targeted strategic activations, always-on marketing campaigns and ongoing trade and business partnerships with key industry players, keeping the city front of mind for these travellers. Building on the city’s commitment to ensuring ease of accessibility for its key source markets, Dubai is only a short travel time away from Bucharest, and benefits from two direct daily flights between Dubai and the capital with flydubai. Other direct flights between Dubai and Bucharest as well as Cluj-Napoca are available on Hungarian airline WizzAir. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Corporation of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “We have seen sustained momentum from Romanian visitors as one of our key emerging source markets, with strong double digit growth in overnight stays during the first quarter of the year. This growth is testament to the market specific approach we’ve adopted and the appeal of Dubai’s variety of attractions and experiences that cater …

The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), an institution established by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), is holding its annual series of Open Days to raise awareness of its vocational and specialised courses for prospective students. The next DCT Open Day will be held on April 22 at DCT’s new campus located at One Central, in the Dubai World Trade Centre area. The first Open Day of 2019 was held on March 23, kicking off the programme which will offer six further Open Days on Saturdays during the summer months. Dates include April 27, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3 and August 24, 2019.  Open to both prospective students and their parents, the Open Days will be held between 2-6 pm, giving first-hand insight into the world-class vocational education programme that is offered at DCT across five core disciplines: Retail, Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Events. Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, said, “The Open Days at DCT provide an opportunity for prospective students to tour our brand-new campus, learn about the various programmes available, meet the instructors and also talk to current students to get a better understanding of the specialised courses on offer. We are committed to providing the highest quality training packages, delivered within a friendly environment that will also help pave the way for students to find suitable job placements through our network of stakeholders. We hope our Open Days will encourage applications from prospective students who are interested in joining us for the September 2019 intake to continue their education as they pursue a range of qualifications including Certificates, Diplomas and Applied Bachelors Programmes.”

The Dubai Pass, an all-inclusive, pre-paid pass, created by iVenture Card and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is offering users access to 15 more attractions, with 48 experiences now available to choose from through the upgraded pass. With a competitive starting price of AED 425 (US$116) for adults and AED 405 (US$110) for children, the newly re-launched pass offers great value on entrance to a number of the city’s high-profile attractions, tours and experiences enabling visitors to enjoy the best of Dubai for less. With the ultimate attractions pass, visitors to the city can now choose from 48 of Dubai’s leading experiences. Combining the best of the emirate’s sightseeing, theme parks, cruises, adventure and cultural experiences into a pre-paid pass, users can save up to 60 per cent overall on Dubai’s leading leisure spots. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Dubai Pass has been enhanced to provide visitors with ease of access to a variety of the city’s tourist attractions through offering a range of experiences at great value for both families and independent travellers.” Dubai Pass offers three bespoke packages that allow users to discover Dubai’s diverse destination offering with special pricing packages for both adults and children. With options to purchase the Dubai Select, Dubai Flexi or Dubai Unlimited Pass, users are invited to explore the best of the city with more flexibility and at better value. Additionally, with the purchase of every Dubai Pass, visitors can also enjoy a 50% discount on tickets to one of the city’s leading shows, La Perle by Dragone, by simply presenting their Dubai Pass upon purchase of the tickets.

Dubai Tourism has announced a new GCC-wide partnership with Gulf Reps, one of the region’s leading travel consultancy agencies, as part of its ongoing drive to attract more visitors from across the Gulf to holiday in the emirate. The partnership will give Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) access to Gulf Reps’ extensive network of travel industry professionals and media, as it targets increased tourist numbers from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Under the agreement, Gulf Reps will operate a representative office within the GCC with a specific focus on developing relationships with the region’s tourism market, leading travel trade publications and travel companies with the purpose of promoting Dubai as the preferred destination of choice for visitors from neighbouring GCC countries. Overnight visitors from the GCC made up 18 per cent of all tourists to Dubai in 2018, highlighting the region’s position as one of the most important source markets for Dubai. The collaboration with Gulf Reps will allow Dubai Tourism to maximise its exposure to, and relationship with, important industry and trade partners across the GCC, giving the city even greater visibility in strategic media outlets and travel industry publications as well as digital media. As Dubai Tourism’s official representative in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, Gulf Reps will help showcase Dubai’s diverse attractions, numerous festivals, year-round entertainment offerings and landmark attractions to holidaymakers. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said, “Dubai continues to rank among the most popular destinations for holidaymakers from across the GCC. Our partnership with Gulf Reps is part of our ongoing strategy to attract even …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) revealed the #BeMyGuest film starring Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan. Khan shows the soul, sights and sounds of the metropolis through experiencing different dimensions of Dubai amongst its people. Featuring a kaleidoscope of culinary, shopping, cultural and adventurous settings, the film’s high energy and fast paced tempo perfectly captures the vibe of the city, and Shah Rukh Khan’s dynamic relationship with it. It also brings alive the hospitable soul of the city through the megastar’s candid interactions, as he plays host to Dubai’s tourists and residents.  Khan said, “Dubai offers endless experiences that stay with you forever. Whatever you want to do – an adrenaline-fuelled adventure like skydiving or a desert safari or a delicious culinary experience of tantalizing flavors – and whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, this city truly offers a complete holiday experience. It’s been great fun working with Dubai Tourism and rediscovering this inspiring city in a whole new way. I can’t wait to be back and live the Dubai magic again.” As one of Dubai Tourism’s series of upcoming initiatives with Bollywood, it emphasises on nurturing the connection that Dubai has with India. Commenting on the collaboration, Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said “Shah Rukh Khan truly represents the beautiful relationship that Dubai and India share. Our continuous dialogue and strong history with India supports projects like these that celebrate and strengthen this union. In line with our vision of hosting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, our tourism efforts are increasing every year, with a major emphasis on the Indian market. We are excited to …