The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IHG Hotels & Resorts to elevate the city’s tourism offerings and guest experiences.
Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, the agreement focuses on joint marketing initiatives, training programs, and the creation of new tourism experiences.
Aligned with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), this partnership aims to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination. IHG Hotels & Resorts will actively promote Dubai through its marketing channels and social media, showcasing the emirate’s unique attractions through cultural heritage tours and seasonal packages tailored to global markets.
The collaboration extends to training hospitality professionals. DET’s Dubai College of Tourism will offer specialized courses, workshops, and certifications to IHG employees, ensuring they are equipped with industry-leading knowledge and practices. Furthermore, Dubai tourism experiences will be integrated into IHG’s One Rewards loyalty program, which boasts over 130 million members, incentivizing repeat visits and fostering guest engagement.
Highlighting the importance of such partnerships, His Excellency Issam Kazim stated,
“This collaboration is a pivotal step in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda, positioning Dubai as the best city to visit, live, and work in.”
Haitham Mattar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing IHG’s commitment to enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a global tourism hub.
With a robust portfolio of 27 hotels in Dubai and upcoming projects like the world’s tallest all-hotel tower, Ciel, and the InterContinental Resort Portofino, IHG’s presence continues to grow. Dubai’s tourism sector remains a global benchmark, welcoming 14.96 million international visitors from January to October 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year, with hotel occupancy rates averaging 77%.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
