ATM 2022: Emirates signs MoU with DCT Abu Dhabi to boost tourism

Dubai carrier Emirates and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost tourist numbers across the airline’s global network.

The new partnership is part of the airline’s commitment to promote tourism to the UAE by aligning activities with tourism partners. It also aims to leverage opportunities to encourage visitors to experience more than one destination in the country during their stay.

Under the MoU signed at the Arabian Travel Market, Emirates and DCT Abu Dhabi will work to explore and implement promotional activities as well as bespoke packages for tour operators and the wider travel trade in key markets across the airline’s network. This would aim to encourage visits to Abu Dhabi as part of their overall UAE holiday.

The two partners will also collaborate on advertising and cross promotional marketing campaigns, familiarisation programmes for travel trade and media, as well as promotional competitions.

Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, director general for tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “As we announce this strategic partnership with Emirates, we look forward to working together to cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a must-visit destination. From thrills and adventures that can be found at our captivating experiences and theme parks such as Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi, to leading museums such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to share our Abu Dhabi story with the world.”

Adnan Kazim, Emirates chief commercial officer, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with DCT Abu Dhabi to help boost visitation. We are well-positioned to support the development of tourism to Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE through our network of nearly 130 global destinations. We are committed to promoting our home base, the UAE, as a travel and tourism hub, with its rich array of attractions and line-up of experiences and events that showcase the best of what all seven emirates have to offer. Our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi will promote sustainable growth of inbound visitors and ensures they are able to experience the capital’s unique cultural landmarks, modern family attractions and beautiful natural landscapes.”

The UAE’s tourism sector is expected to contribute 5.4 per cent of the nation’s total GDP, equivalent to $31.6bn and is forecast to support over one million jobs by 2027.

Emirates has also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Malaysia Tourism Board earlier this week.

Read: ATM 2022: Dubai’s Emirates signs MoC with Malaysia Tourism Board

Furthermore, Emirates and Royal Air Maroc also launched a codeshare partnership at the ongoing ATM event.

Read more: Dubai’s Emirates, Royal Air Maroc launch codeshare partnership