Dubai keen to accelerate tourism momentum and position itself as a safe global destination
Dubai Tourism’s Department of Tourism Commerce Marketing (DTCM), recently held a two-day virtual FAM for the Indian travel media which showcased some of its tourism pillars along with the unique experiences offered by the stakeholders. The main purpose was to highlight major attractions and give a brief about the safety and hygiene measures and preparedness taken up by the Emirate. Dubai had opened the destination in July and the authorities are very cautious that the safety and hygiene protocols are being followed effectively across the city, in its hotels, attractions, dining outlets, etc.
Present at the two-day virtual FAM were representatives of DTCM from Dubai and India, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Atlantis - The Palm, Meraas Entertainment, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Entertainment. While each of them presented the safety and security measures in the COVID era for the tourists planning to visit Dubai, most were supported by video footage of the attractions which added new dimensions to the knowledge experience.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, wholly owned by the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG) and managed by IMG Worlds has reopened to the public amid strict coronavirus safety measures in place. Srushti Hatwar, Sales Manager, Travel Trade, IMG Worlds of Adventure, gave a brief on how IMG has intensified the cleaning protocol, enforced many extensive deep cleaning and sanitising procedures in the operations SOPs of the park service. Employees at IMG Worlds of Adventure also have to wear face masks and shields for added protection.
Atlantis-The Palm
Neil Shah and Linda Abdul Hay who represented Atlantis-The Palm, covered some new developments at Dubai‘s landmark hotel. The amazing property has completed a US$100 million refurbishment programme that has updated the entire property and when guests come back to visit them, it will be to a refreshed Atlantis. The hotel is presently offering international guests who stay five nights or more in resort free COVID-19 PCR tests for all international bookings. Additionally, the all-encompassing resort has partnered with one of the emirate’s leading hospitals in order to be able to conduct the tests from the comfort of their own hotel room. This means that guests can maximise their leisure time without the need to disrupt their vacation with a visit to a hospital or clinic. Among the new highlights out of the many at the property is the Aquaventure Waterpark, which is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with over 65,000 marine animals in lagoons.
Meraas Entertainment
Hitendra Nagwani, Director- Sales, L&E Sales, Meraas Entertainment, briefed on the Laguna Waterpark which is located in Dubai’s coolest beachfront destination of La Mer in between panoramic views of the ocean and Dubai’s skyline. Their other attraction, The Green Planet is home to over 3,000 exotic plants and animals, where one can see the region’s first Tamandua Ant Eater as well as Green Planet superstars, Liam and Lola, the resident sloths, often found wandering the depths of the forest floor. Comprehensive precautionary measures have been implemented in each of the attraction facilities to ensure a safe environment for visitors. Meraas Entertainment has many more attractions on their list. Presently, people over the age of 60, and children under 12, can now visit any of the outdoor stores at their destinations.
Emaar Hospitality
Sharing more on the premium luxury Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts, and the contemporary midscale Rove Hotels was Chris Newman, Chief Operations Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group. He assured that their commitment to their guests’ health and well-being remains their number one priority. More than ever, their focus is on delivering intuitive guest experiences and they work tirelessly to go above and beyond the international standards to guarantee a safe stay in any of their hotels. Chris also updated on the upcoming new hotel projects which is a part of their regional and international expansion plans.
Observation Decks
The Emaar Entertainment team gave a video tour of the Observation Decks at Burj Khalifa along with showcasing the safety precaution at these places. The observatory decks, terraces and lounges at Burj Khalifa offer visitors the unprecedented opportunity to soak up unmatched views of the city and beyond. One can enjoy a guided tour to Level 148, 125, and 12 and enjoy a panoramic view of Dubai’s breathtaking skyline.
Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera has the exceptional ability to transform into three modes: from a theatre into a concert hall and a ‘flat floor’ mode. This seamless flexibility has enabled Dubai Opera to host a wide variety of events including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, gala dinners, weddings.etc. While many artisans and performers have showcased their acts at the Dubai Opera in the COVID times, the venue has more to offer like, stand-up comedian Nemr, Ronnie Scott’s Giants of Jazz, award-winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili, and the Flamenco Passion show, scheduled for October and November 2020.
Talking more about Destination Dubai, Bader Ali Habib, Manager, Indian Subcontinent, International Operations, DTCM, shared about Dubai receiving the Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which reflects positivity and confidence for the destination.
According to Bader Ali, the UAE is the top 10 of the world’s safest countries in terms of managing the pandemic and comes first in the region. They restarted early on July 7, and have since then been welcoming tourists back to Dubai. They also had a compliance programme in place called ‘Dubai Assured’ - a certification given to local establishments for compliance with health and safety measures and protocols. The authorities have ensured that all tourism touchpoints comply with the health and safety guidelines. Thus, Dubai is fully prepared to handle its tourists with all the necessary protocols in place.
Bader Ali also shared how the combined efforts of Dubai Airports, Emirates Airlines, and flydubai along with UAE’s tourism stakeholders and the effective management of the UAE authorities resulted in the early opening of the destination.
Talking about MICE, Bader Ali said, “While local events have started taking place in Dubai since September 15, and international events will start from October first week. We are ready for both MICE and FIT travel. We have issued circulars on clear safety protocols that must be adhered to by event organisers and attendees, which include sanitisation, social distancing, mandatory face masks and isolation zones.” He also mentioned that the ‘The Expo’, which was a highly anticipated enthralling event and a game-changer for Dubai has now been postponed to October 1, 2021, with new hopes.
“India has always been an important market for Dubai, as many Indian citizens reside here, and is almost a second home for many and India has always been one of Dubai’s top source markets. Thus, DCTM is keen to welcome Indian travellers whenever they are ready,” concludes, Bader Ali.