Khaleej Times

BUSINESS, TOURISM TO THRIVE IN SAFE DUBAI

UAE has one of the most effective Covid-19 test and trace programmes

- Waheed Abbas

Dubai remains open and maintains its position as one of the world’s safest destinatio­ns, with a positive outlook for the tourism and hospitalit­y sectors. The statement came following a meeting of top industry executives from the public and private sectors. Thanks to its position as a safe destinatio­n for global travellers, the emirate looks to carry strong momentum created in the second half of 2020 into 2021, they said.

The high-profile meeting of major stakeholde­rs included Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Tourism; Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports; Mohammad Al Hashmi, VP for commercial products Dubai at Emirates airline; José Silva, CEO of Jumeirah Group; Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president for Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Hilton; Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner Internatio­nal, Mark Willis CEO of Accor; and Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, deputy managing director of Al Rais.

The meeting highlighte­d the robust new safety measures deployed across sectors and new initiative­s taken to further enhance the city’s position as a safe destinatio­n for global travellers.

TWe will continue to proactivel­y update safety protocols in accordance with the changing situation.” Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general, Dubai Tourism

he stakeholde­rs were unanimous that there was positive sentiment surroundin­g Dubai as a key destinatio­n and reaffirmed their commitment to support the industry, including the strict implementa­tion of health and safety protocols in collaborat­ion with Dubai Tourism. They observed that the pace of the global industry revival in 2021 will be highly dependent on the evolving Covid-19 situation, particular­ly noting the recent travel restrictio­ns in several countries, as well as the speed of economic recovery in key source markets.

“While we are encouraged by the success of the strong safety procedures deployed across all tourism touchpoint­s, we will continue to proactivel­y update safety protocols in the hospitalit­y, tourism and travel sectors in accordance with the changing situation. We are deeply appreciati­ve of the latest precaution­ary measures establishe­d by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, allowing us to further intensify efforts to ensure Dubai maintains its position as one of the world’s safest destinatio­ns,” said Almarri.

The UAE has one of the world’s most effective test and trace programmes and is currently ranked among the top five nations globally in terms of vaccine rollout.

More than 146 cities in 80 countries are already being served by 56 airlines, retaining our position as the world’s busiest airport.” Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports

Paul Griffiths said Dubai Airports and its stakeholde­rs in the aviation industry have taken enormous steps to ensure that the highest standards of safety protocols are followed throughout the passenger journey.

“We will continue to position Dubai in the lead of the recovery of global aviation with more than 146 cities in 80 countries already being served by 56 airlines, retaining our position as the world’s busiest internatio­nal airport,” he said.

“Travellers can be assured that the comprehens­ive bio-safety measures implemente­d at Emirates, and across the Dubai tourism

eco-system, are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest best practice and health guidance,” said Mohammad Al Hashmi of Emirates airline.

Jochem-Jan Sleiffer said Dubai Tourism has gone to great lengths to ensure measures are put in place to keep visitors safe as internatio­nal travel has returned in recent months.

José Silva said Dubai has led a consistent campaign throughout the pandemic, prioritisi­ng health and safety and steering the nation towards an earlier-thanantici­pated rebound. “However, now is not the time for complacenc­y. We must continue to ensure

compliance with all precaution­ary measures, especially in the upcoming months, to sustain demand for Dubai’s diverse destinatio­n propositio­ns.”

Mark Willis said it’s super to see a positive booking trend in Q1 2021 versus Q3 and Q4 2020. “This is clearly driven by the sound safety measures put in place by the government and the desire to travel to one of the top leisure destinatio­ns in the world.”

“Dubai continues to be a popular destinatio­n of choice, not only with holidaymak­ers but also with business travellers,” said Mohamed Jassim Al Rais.

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 ??  ?? With a positive booking trend in the first quarter, Dubai proves to be a top destinatio­n for holidaymak­ers and business travellers.
With a positive booking trend in the first quarter, Dubai proves to be a top destinatio­n for holidaymak­ers and business travellers.

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