Dubai tourism and hospitality sectors are flourishing as Dubai continues to secure its position as a key destination in 2020, taking over the global trends. The emirate witnessed a rebound by the second half of 2020 despite a coronavirus-impacted global economic decline.
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) highlighted the importance of new safety measures in the long-term development and recuperation of the industry during a meeting with key stakeholders and partners operating in the emirate. The meeting included leading figures in Middle Eastern business sectors such as Director-General of Dubai Tourism Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai Airports Paul Griffiths, CEO of Jumeirah Group José Silva, VP for commercial products Dubai at Emirates airline Mohammad Al Hashmi, President for the Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Hilton Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, CEO of Kerzner International Philippe Zuber, CEO of Accor Mark Willis and deputy managing director of Al Rais Mohamed Jassim Al Rais.
Almarri acknowledged the department's commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of citizens, residents and visitors, who formed the cornerstone of the recovery strategy since the start of the pandemic. The UAE is amongst the top five nations worldwide for the most number of vaccinated residents.
Dubai had launched a programme earlier to certify and recognise hotels and other establishments that have implemented all public health protocols, with a 'DUBAI ASSURED' stamp. Dubai airport is leading as one of the world's busiest international airports. Emirates, Dubai's flag carrier and the largest airline in the Middle East, implemented several bio-safety measures updated upon the latest health guidance for safe travels.
"There is a direct correlation between the performance of the hospitality sector and the collaborative efforts to protect the health and safety of our guests and our people. However, now is not the time for complacency," stated Silva, CEO of Jumeirah Group. Al Rais added that Dubai continues to be a popular destination of choice for holidaymakers and business travellers from all corners of the world.
Mark Willis expressed his happiness to see a positive booking trend in Q1 2021 versus Q3 and Q4 2020. He further added that the emirate's safety measures imposed by the government and the desire to travel to one of the top leisure destinations in the world make it trend positively in March 2021.
Dubai Tourism also emphasised that the pace of the global industry revival in 2021 will be highly dependent on the evolving epidemiological situation.