New agreement to boost medical tourism and investment in Dubai.

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the emirate’s medical tourism sector.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, signed the MoU in the presence of several officials from both sides.

Areas of cooperation

The MoU aims to enhance mutual cooperation to implement a range of strategic initiatives that support and achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. This includes attracting investments to accelerate the growth of the healthcare sector in the emirate and showcasing the best healthcare services available including digital health, supporting business development for potential investors, and accelerating their business growth journey.

It covers investor-related services such as business registration, as well as providing logistical and organisational support in accordance with regulations and each party’s jurisdiction.

Under this MoU, the two parties will work to build and establish a broad network of international partners to support Dubai’s economy by attracting local and foreign investors to the healthcare sector in the emirate. They will contribute to enhancing medical tourism by promoting opportunities for official delegations to visit healthcare facilities in Dubai, in accordance with the facilities’ regulations.

Additionally, they will work to advance the exchange of knowledge and research in the healthcare sector, as well as explore potential investment opportunities.

The parties will also support activities related to the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which is overseen by DET. This programme aims to attract international conferences and meetings to the city, as well as enhance collaboration in local and international events designed to promote and market the emirate. Both parties will focus on attracting major global medical conferences and strengthening cooperation in the fields of exhibitions and workshops related to medical tourism.

Growth in medical tourism

A recent report by DHA revealed that Dubai attracted 691,478 medical tourists from around the world last year, with their healthcare expenditures surpassing Dh1.034 billion – outperforming 2022 figures, when 674,000 medical tourists spent Dh992 million.

In addition, the indirect revenues from medical tourism last year exceeded Dh2.305 billion, fuelling significant contributions to Dubai’s GDP by driving growth across key sectors such as aviation, hotels, hospitality, telecommunications, and beyond

Almarri stated: “The signing of this MoU with the Dubai Health Authority is a step in this direction and will strengthen our ability to build relationships with a wide network of partners to attract a significant segment of the target audience. We look forward to working together to attract investments for pioneering projects in the healthcare sector, host major global medical conferences and meetings, and make Dubai the preferred destination for travellers seeking top-quality services.”

Al Ketbi said: “Dubai has leveraged all its resources, including advanced infrastructure, technology, smart solutions, systems, legislation, and facilitation, to create promising investment opportunities in the healthcare sector and provide a secure healthcare environment. This, in turn, has attracted a significant number of international hospitals and leading specialised centres to choose Dubai as their base, as well as individuals seeking a high quality of life and well-being.”

Source:     Gulf News

Trips to Africa gain increasing popularity among Chinese tourists.

By virtue of its unique natural landscapes, cultural charm, and diverse tourism experiences, Africa has become a hot tourist destination for Chinese tourists. In recent years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the continent.

Surging bookings for African trips

Data from Chinese online travel service platform Ctrip show that from February to August this year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Africa has increased by about 1.2 times compared to the same period last year.

Statistics from Fliggy, another major online travel service platform in China, indicate that the booking volume for flights to Africa this year has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, with flights to Egypt and Kenya experiencing the fastest growth rates of 236 percent and 167 percent, respectively.

An executive from Chinese online travel agency LY.com said that the average number of tourists traveling to Egypt per month between January and August this year increased by 200 percent compared to the same period last year.

In the past decade, the African tourism market has gradually become familiar to Chinese tourists, said Li Peng, an executive in charge of outbound long-haul business at Tuniu.com, also an online travel service provider in China.

The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday as well as winter and summer vacations are peak seasons for outbound travel, with a significant increase in demand for small-group and customized tours, according to Li Peng.

Li Mengran, the media and public relations manager of Beijing-based travel agency U-tour, said that the company’s services for tours of African destinations have seen a year-on-year increase of 30 percent to 35 percent in reservations. The summer vacation and September-October period have specifically seen increases, as they are the best times to witness the great animal migration in Africa.

The most visited African countries by Chinese tourists currently include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana, according to statistics from Ctrip.

Unique, diverse tourism experiences

“The allure of African tourism lies mainly in the experiences of returning to nature and seeking adventure,” said Li Peng.

According to Li Peng, the main attractions in the Northern African region are cultural and historical sites and desert landscapes. Eastern Africa is characterized by its wild natural environment and natural wonders. The highlight of Southern Africa tourism experiences is high-quality leisure travel.

Tourists can explore ancient sites or enjoy their vacations at beach resorts in Egypt, immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Morocco, visit the Sahara Desert, and feast their eyes on the South African’s rich and varied natural beauty, Li Peng said.

Watching the awe-inspiring animal migration in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most popular activities among Chinese tourists, Li Peng noted.

Chinese tourists’ tourism experiences in Africa have become more diverse and immersive, said Li Mengran, pointing out in addition to the traditional destinations of South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, tourists are traveling to more countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

The average duration of Chinese tourists’ visits to Africa has extended from 8-10 days to 14-18 days, allowing them to not only explore deep into national parks but also try activities like wild camping, yacht trips, and dune bashing, Li Mengran said.

During this summer, China Tourism Group (CTG), a large travel company in the country, organized a trip to Tanzania for Chinese tourists, who witnessed the great migration of animals in the Serengeti Plain, admired the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, visited the clove flower sea of Zanzibar Island, and also learned about the culture of local tribes.

Promising prospects

Although the cost of African tourism is relatively high, Africa is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for more Chinese tourists, said Yang Jingsong, director of the international research institute of the China Tourism Academy.

Travel agencies are introducing a variety of themed travel products and convenient services, which are gaining favor among Chinese tourists, Yang said. It is believed that tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will yield more fruitful results, he added.

The deepening tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will foster the development of diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism products and services catering to travelers eager to explore Africa, said Li Peng.

With the steady development of China-Africa cooperation, Africa will attract the attention of more Chinese tourists, said Han Jie, president of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, said that China and Africa are highly complementary in tourism, with Africa holding strong appeal for Chinese tourists.

She believes that tourism cooperation between China and Africa will reach new heights, contributing to economic and trade exchanges, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and development for both sides.

Source:   ATTA.

Kenya eyes five million tourist arrivals by 2027

The Ministry of Tourism is devising a new strategy to increase international tourist arrivals to five million by 2027.

It seeks to achieve this through a Tembea Kenya, which will soon be launched, to boost the number from the current about 2 million arrivals yearly.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano spoke while hosting tourism players at an event in Nairobi yesterday.

“This happens mainly through participation in local and international events, campaigns, policy advocacy, and in creating innovative tourism products and experiences,” Miano said.

“During my interaction with the tourism sector stakeholders this afternoon, I made a commitment to build strong linkages with the private sector and to make the tourism industry the number one contributor of foreign exchange earnings and job creation,” she said.

In the first half of this year, Kenya generated 142.5 billion shillings in tourism revenue during the first, assisted by a significant rise in visitor numbers, according to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

This represents an increase from 1.06 billion dollars in the same period last year, the KTB reported.

The KTB said that Kenya welcomed 1.03 million international visitors, marking a 21.3 percent increase from 847,810 visitors during the same period in 2023.

Domestic tourism also saw growth, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded, about a 10 percent increase from 2.06 million bed nights in the previous year.

Source:  Travel News.  

CONNECTING YOU TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH 37 WEEKLY FLIGHTS

What does South Africa have in common with Kenya? Beautiful beaches, wildlife safaris, buzzing business hubs, unique cultures and stunning tourist attractions. If you are looking for a convenient way to travel to South Africa, then Kenya Airways is your answer. Whether you are a group of friends or a family who want to explore there’s something for you to discover in South Africa.

If you are businessman or are travelling for a work assignment, you have multiple options to choose from the available flights. Kenya Airways has 37 weekly flights to Africa that are conveniently timed to fit in with your schedule.

That’s not it, Kenya Airways flies to two points in South Africa which makes it even more convenient depending on which part of South Africa you want to explore. You can either choose to go to Johannesburg where KQ flies 28 times weekly or Cape Town where KQ flies 9 times weekly.

If you want to explore Southern Africa, KQ also connects the South further by providing service between Cape Town and Victoria Falls with 3 weekly flights and Cape Town to Livingston, 3 times weekly.

With competitive fares coupled with our comfortable aircrafts and African hospitality, Kenya Airways is indeed your airline of choice as you explore the South.

How Dubai is leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences

Dubai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and embracing innovation has been a key factor behind its transformation into a city at the forefront of the global economy.

The city’s long-term wider approach to leveraging the latest advancements not only enhances the experience for residents and visitors but also boosts the economy by attracting more businesses and investors.

Recognizing the importance of leveraging technology to shape the future of travel and hospitality, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has consistently spearheaded initiatives to raise the bar across multiple sectors, while strategies are in place to improve tourism services with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).

DET has also nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

Proactively adapting its offering to align with emerging global trends, and to cater to the diverse demands of residents and international travellers, the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors are utilising innovation to ensure that Dubai continues to elevate standards across the tourism ecosystem – from streamlined visa processes and airport smart gates to hotel check-in via smartphone apps and digital platforms showcasing the best of Dubai’s offerings.

This dynamic approach, combined with Dubai’s commitment to excellence and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors, has been the catalyst for rapid change across the emirate, with world-class infrastructure and exceptional service at all touchpoints contributing towards enhancing the guest experience.

With global travellers eager for novel experiences, this fusion of innovation allows tourists to seamlessly connect with both traditional and modern elements of the emirate’s diverse offering and has contributed towards further highlighting the emirate’s position as a must-visit destination. Dubai’s growing popularity is evident in the steady growth in visitors – from January to June 2024,  Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international visitors, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the objectives of the D33 Agenda, Dubai is committed to advancing with distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences, and attractions. Dubai’s unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations is demonstrated through the seamless integration of technology into our industry.

This unique synergy of innovation and technological excellence is a testament to our strong commitment to progress and is instrumental in making Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in, aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. The emirate continues collaborating with key stakeholders and global partners to spearhead technology-driven tourism, ensuring a future where innovation enriches every visitor’s experience.”

Source:  Gulf Business.

Dubai medical tourism booming as 691,000 spend over $280m; top procedures revealed.

Dubai medical tourism is booming, with 691,000 health tourists spending AED1bn ($280m) last year, according to a recent report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Dentistry, dermatology and gynecology are among the most popular activities for medical tourists coming to Dubai.

This upsurge is evident in the increased number of tourists seeking medical treatment in Dubai and their significant spending on a range of healthcare services.

Dubai medical tourism

The report reflects the rising global confidence in the quality and excellence of Dubai’s healthcare services across different medical specialties. It also demonstrates the emirate’s competitive advantage as a leading health tourism destination regionally and globally.

Furthermore, the report sheds light on DHA’s collaborative efforts with its strategic partners to accelerate the growth of health tourism.

These endeavours are in alignment with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which strive to double the emirate’s economy and elevate its global standing as the preferred hub for business, investment, and tourism.

As per the report, Dubai welcomed more than 691,000 health tourists from across the world in 2023, with their collective spending on healthcare services exceeding AED1.03bn ($280.5m).

These numbers bettered those of 2022, when international health tourist arrivals topped 674,000, with their spending totalling AED992m ($270m).

Dubai’s indirect revenues from health tourism stood at AED2.3bn ($626m) in 2023. These revenues played a crucial role in elevating Dubai’s overall GDP and further boosting vital sectors.

Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, emphasised that the rising number of international tourists from every corner of the globe opting for healthcare services in Dubai reflects global trust in the emirate’s healthcare sector.

He highlighted Dubai’s exceptional service quality, conforming to the latest standards of excellence and healthcare.

He also outlined several factors that have significantly bolstered Dubai’s health tourism sector. These include enhancements to the emirate’s healthcare system through incorporating and leveraging cutting-edge technological advancements, ensuring the availability of top-notch medical expertise, and attractive programmes and initiatives designed for international patients.

Furthermore, the competitive pricing provided by healthcare facilities in Dubai and the government’s dedication to advancing the health tourism sector through fruitful partnerships aim to enhance the emirate’s competitiveness in this domain, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for individuals seeking medical treatment and recovery.

Al Ketbi lauded the contributions of the private medical sector in Dubai as a strategic partner to the government sector. He praised their initiatives, facilities, and patient treatment programmes while highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional experiences for international patients in a secure and comfortable environment.

This commitment, he added, is supported by a sustainable and advanced infrastructure tailored to meet patient needs and ensure the highest level of satisfaction.

Al Ketbi reiterated the DHA’s commitment to continually enhance the healthcare system in Dubai to align with the emirate’s tireless development and rapid transformations across the economic, health, and social sectors.

This commitment showcases a visionary strategy aimed at bolstering Dubai’s standing as a pioneering global development model that meets current demands and anticipates future requirements.

Based on information from the Dubai Digital Authority, the report highlighted that 58 per cent of international health tourists were women and 42 per cent were men.

A significant volume of international medical tourists originated from Asia, comprising 33 per cent of the total, followed by Arab countries within the GCC at 28 per cent, and European countries along with the Commonwealth of Independent States at 23 per cent.

Dubai also succeeded in attracting a substantial number of medical tourists from various regions who sought out experts in key specialties, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for specialised healthcare services.

A breakdown of the medical specialisations most sought after by visitors and the region-wise breakup in terms of specialised treatments they sought is as follows:

Top 3 in-demand specialties: Dentistry – 29 per cent, Dermatology – 27 per cent, Gynaecology- 13 per cent

Region-wise demand for dermatology: Asia – 33 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 28 per cent, Europe – 23 per cent

Region-wise demand for dental services: Arab and GCC countries – 48 per cent, Europe – 20 per cent, Asia – 19 per cent

Region-wise demand for gynaecology services: Asian countries – 49 per cent, European countries – 25 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 13 per cent

Region-wise demand for orthopaedic surgery: Arab and GCC countries – 30 per cent, Asia – 29 per cent, Europe – 24 per cent

Region-wise demand for plastic surgery: Arab and GCC countries – 43 per cent, Asia – 21 per cent, Europe – 21 per cent

Region-wise demand for ophthalmology services: Asia – 28 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 27 per cent, Africa – 21 per cent

Region-wise demand for fertility treatments: Asia – 36 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 22 per cent, Europe – 21 per cent

Region-wise demand for recuperation and recovery treatments: Europe – 35 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 30 per cent, Asia – 21 per cent

The statistics provided in the report underscore the city’s appeal as a hub for specialized healthcare services, welcoming patients from all over the world seeking quality treatment and care in diverse medical disciplines.

Source:   Arabian Business.  

Seychelles Strengthens Ties with Chinese Market Through Successful 2024 Roadshow

Building on the success of its 2023 roadshow, Tourism Seychelles, with the support of the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing, has once again hosted a series of trade workshops across key Chinese cities, reaffirming its commitment to the flourishing Chinese market.

This year’s roadshow, headed by Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for China & Japan, and Mr. Sam Yu, Senior Marketing Executive for China at Tourism Seychelles, took place between July 22nd to 31st, 2024. It covered the five major cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

The event brought together many key industry stakeholders, including tour operators, travel agencies, wholesalers, and media representatives. The roadshow provided a valuable platform for Tourism Seychelles and its Seychelles trade partners to engage in fruitful discussions, build relationships, and explore new business opportunities.

A special highlight of the roadshow was a networking meeting event organised in Beijing in collaboration with the Ambassador of Seychelles to China, Mrs Anne Lafortune, where partners were given insights and prevailing trends into the Chinese market. The discussions also explored the market’s opportunities and potential, offering a glimpse into what the future holds for local partners.

“This year’s roadshow has been a resounding success,” said Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for China & Japan at the Tourism Department. “The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from the Chinese travel professionals demonstrate the growing interest in Seychelles as a destination. We are particularly excited about the potential of the first few direct flights from Chengdu in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles and Chengdu, China, which will further enhance accessibility and boost visitor arrivals from this important market.”

The roadshow also served as an ideal platform to showcase the latest developments and offerings within the Seychelles tourism landscape. Seychelles trade partners actively participated in the workshops, sharing their expertise and promoting their unique products and services. These partners included:

DMC Partners: Ms. Shi Ming Wang, Chinese Representative – 7° South, Ms. Normandy Salabao, Senior Manager Sales & Marketing – Creole Travel Services, Mr. Chamika Ariyasinghe, Business Development Manager – Luxury Travel, Ms. Zhang Junhao, Chinese Marketing Representative – Sey Yeah, Mr. Aaron Zhang, Managing Director – Cheung Kong Travel, Ms. Jona Ladouce, Sales & Contracting Manager – Tirant Tours & Travel.

Representing the hotels were; Ms. Vivienne SU, Regional Marketing Director – Constance Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Shamita Palit, Sales Consultant – Le Duc de Praslin and laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott, Mr. Sergey Elkin, Director of Sales & Marketing – Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare.

Also present was Chengdu Youth Travel Services (CYTS), the company working on the upcoming flights and packages to be made available to the different Chinese agents and potential visitors.

Speaking about the participation from Seychelles, Mr Lai Lam added, “The roadshow would not have been possible without the all-out support of our Seychelles trade partners. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in making this event a success.”

Following the event, Ms. Normandy Salabao, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing from Creole Travels, expressed, “I’m thrilled to share positive feedback on Tourism Seychelles’ recent China roadshow. The event was exceptionally well organised, with engaging presentations and interactive elements that effectively captured the objectives of the roadshow. The team’s tailored approach for the Chinese market was impressive, resonating well with attendees, including well-chosen agents and tour operators, and fostering valuable connections.”

Ms. Shamita Palit, Sales Consultant at Le Duc de Praslin and laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott, shared insightful feedback on the recent developments, highlighting that the potential direct flight from Chengdu offers connectivity, visibility, and reach that extends further than China to Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korean and Japan.

She noted that this success signifies an alliance extending beyond tourism to include commerce opportunities between the two countries, necessitating a collective effort from all areas of Government. Reflecting on her personal experience, Ms. Palit remarked that China had surpassed her expectations, offering infrastructure, technology, facilities, diversity, culture, and interests far beyond what she had envisioned.

Ms. Palit sees significant potential not only for inbound leisure tourism but also for corporate groups, incentive travel, enhanced trade imports from China, and even a niche market of outbound holidaymakers from Seychelles.

Seychelles is making significant strides in penetrating the Chinese market, highlighted by the introduction of the first direct, non-stop charter flight between Seychelles and Chengdu, China, operated by Sichuan Airlines.

Seychelles is expecting its first direct flight since 2018 in the second half of 2024. This flight, with an approximate duration of 8.5 hours, marks a pivotal advancement in air connectivity between the two regions. Further discussions are already underway regarding additional flights, underscoring the growing commitment to enhancing travel links and fostering deeper engagement with this key market.

Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Destination Marketing at the Tourism Department, remarked that the success of the roadshow and the upcoming flights will reflect in the growth of Chinese visitor arrivals to Seychelles this year. “We are thrilled to see a significant increase in interest for Seychelles from the Chinese market. The Chinese tourism arrival numbers are higher compared to last year. The growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Tourism Seychelles and our trade partners in promoting Seychelles as a premier destination for Chinese travellers.”

Source: Voyages afriq

DET INVITES HOTELS TO APPLY FOR THE SECOND CYCLE OF THE DUBAI SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STAMP INITIATIVE.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched the second cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, to recognise hotels in the city with the highest levels of adherence to DET’s ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’, a set of mandatory standards to support the ongoing drive to position Dubai as a leading sustainable tourism destination.

Serving as a validation of a hotel’s dedication to sustainability, and showcasing its eco practices to guests and the global community, the DST Stamp was launched in 2023 and contributes to Dubai’s broader sustainability agenda. It is awarded under a three-tier scheme – gold, silver, and bronze – and validated by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence. The window for hotels to submit their applications opened today (15 August) and will close on 15 September, with the announcement of the hotels receiving the DST Stamp for 2024 set to be made in January 2025.

Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector at DET, and Head of the DET Environmental Sustainability & Social Responsibility Committee, said: “The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is more than just an accolade to recognise excellence in sustainability – it is a testament to the support and guidance of our visionary leadership to position Dubai at the forefront of global efforts in sustainable tourism. As we launch the second cycle of the DST Stamp, we invite hotels across Dubai to showcase their commitment to sustainability and contribute to our shared vision for a greener future, aligning with a key goal of the D33 Agenda to transform Dubai into the best city to visit, live and work in. This initiative continues to inspire enhanced collaboration between the government and private sectors in Dubai, further underscoring our resolve to set new standards in environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry.”

The ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’ were introduced in 2019 to guide hotels in implementing eco-friendly practices, and are part of the wider Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative, developed by DET to drive the tourism sector’s transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and sustainable industry model. It is part of DET’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable tourism in Dubai and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

Encompassing a wide range of criteria that hotels must meet, the ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’ include taking steps to achieve energy and water efficiency, implementing waste management programmes, guest education, and employee training initiatives, all designed to enhance environmental performance and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

In the first cycle of 2023, the DST Stamp received 278 hotel applications, resulting in 70 winners – 11 gold, 28 silver, and 31 bronze – demonstrating the hospitality sector’s enthusiastic commitment to adopting sustainable practices. Hotels recognised in the first round have highlighted the importance of the initiative, detailing the benefits their participation brought.

Nila Pendarovski, General Manager at Rove Expo City, said: “At Rove Hotels, we’re not just committed to providing exceptional hospitality, we’re also deeply invested in running our operations in a sustainable manner. We were honoured to be part of the first round of the DST Stamp certification process, an initiative we view as crucial to our growth as responsible hoteliers. This process has guided us in refining our operations from A to Z, enabling us to find more sustainable ways to serve our Rovers (guests). We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate in this process again, as we continue to champion sustainability in every aspect of our business.”

Luciano Fontana, General Manager, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, added: “Receiving the Gold Tier from the prestigious Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was a remarkable honour for Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. This recognition reflected our unwavering dedication to sustainable luxury, ensuring that every guest’s experience contributes positively to environmental and social responsibility. We are proud to lead the way in sustainable tourism and look forward to setting new benchmark for excellence in this field.”

Inspired by global objectives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and country-wide strategies including the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiatives, the DST initiative and DST Stamp align with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, which was extended into 2024. Another key initiative under DST has been the rollout and ongoing development of the Carbon Calculator tool, which measures the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. The tool tracks real-time data for carbon emission sources, allowing hotels to identify and effectively manage their energy consumption.

Additionally, DST complements the citywide ‘Dubai Can’ sustainability movement, which through its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign has seen the reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 23 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles and 11.5 million litres of water dispensed via 50 water fountains located throughout the city. Dubai Can has followed this up with a second initiative, Dubai Reef, the world’s largest marine reef development project, with 20,000 modules set to be deployed across 600 square kilometres of Dubai’s waters by 2027.

Hotels can contact dstsupport@dubaidet.ae for further details about applying for the DST Stamp.

Source:  Hotel And Catering.

Kenya-Uganda tourism benefits from relaxed border restrictions.

Kenya and Uganda have an arrangement where tourists arriving in Kenya can go on to visit Uganda on the same visa while using Uganda Airlines as a connecting carrier.

Relaxed border restrictions have been credited for the near double growth in tourism numbers between Kenya and Uganda in the past two years, with two countries implementing joint tourist events to improve integration.

Data from the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) shows over 600,000 tourists from two countries visited different tourist centres, compared with 320,000 in 2022.

Different interventions, among them use of identification cards to cross borders, improved infrastructure and investments on establishments and joint campaigns, have bridged market access challenges, increasing the numbers.

An initiative launched about two years for joint marketing for beach and safari has been yielding fruits to increase the numbers.

The Uganda Consul-General at the Kenyan Coast, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya said increased trips of Uganda Airlines and modern transport sector have led to increased numbers. For instance, in 2023, more than490,000 Kenyans visited Uganda, whereas 201,620 Ugandans visited Kenya.

“Following two highly successful Kenya-Uganda tourism conferences held in the coastal towns of Mombasa and Diani, more citizens in the two countries have increased the urge to visit different tourist attraction centres,” Mr Mukumbya said.

He was speaking during the media launch of the 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in Mombasa.

He said that, with plans to have enhanced tourism promotion such as a trade and investment mission to Uganda in November this year, more tourists are expected to add to the existing numbers.

He said previous campaigns have increased awareness about Uganda and Kenya Coast destinations as well as the products they offer.

Synergies between key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya Coastal region have been built and enhanced where different tourism stakeholders from both countries are already selling both destinations.

The partnership will ensure thousands of tourists visiting either Kenya or Uganda move freely between the two countries where they can have breakfast at the beach and lunch in a safari in Uganda.

“This initiative aims to attract Kenyan businesspeople and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Uganda, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

The 3rd Uganda- Kenya Coast Tourism Conference will take place in Kampala, Uganda from 20th- 21st November 2024,” the consul-general said.

Uganda and Kenya Coast have different tourism products that complement one another, thus easier to sell it abroad.

Uganda has mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, cultural and religious tourism and Kampala night life, while the Kenya coast has beautiful beaches, marine tourism and historical sites, so both countries can work together without competing to promote tourism.

Dr Sam Ikwaye, executive director of KAHC, emphasised the importance of fostering trust and collaboration among tourism stakeholders, noting the positive impact of familiarization trips and business-to-business engagements facilitated by the conference.

 “The confidence levels among stakeholders have risen, enabling Kenyan and Ugandan operators to develop and exchange tourism packages effectively,” he said.

In the ongoing joint campaign, Kenya and Uganda have an arrangement where tourists arriving in Kenya can go on to visit Uganda on the same visa while using Uganda Airlines as a connecting carrier.

The key partners are Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Kenya Association of Travel Agents, TOSKENYA, KAHC, Kenya Coast Tourist Association, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Federation, Uganda Tourism Board, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Uganda Tourism Association, Eyalama Adventures and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.

The East African market has great tourism potential, with a population of over 200 million, a growing middle class, improved infrastructure and relaxation of travel restrictions.

Kenya remains Uganda’s biggest source market for tourists in the region and second in the world after US, accounting for 32 per cent of total arrivals last year.

Source:  The East African.  

Uganda, Kenya in bid to promote complementary tourism

In Summary

  • The 9th to 21st November conference shall:
  • Strengthen synergies between key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region;
  • address barriers and challenges to the partnership between Uganda and Kenya Coast.
  • Explore investment opportunities in the tourism sector in Uganda.
  • Allow participants to experience the tourism products in each of the two destinations so that they are better equipped to promote them.

The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is an annual event organized by the Consulate General of Uganda in conjunction with tourism stakeholders in Uganda and the Kenya Coast.

The conference aims to consolidate networks, synergies, and diversity to maximize the tourism potential between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions.

The event includes excursions at the Kenya Coast and a family trip to Uganda, as well as business-to-business sessions to enable participants from both countries to meet and interact.

The expected outcomes of the conference include increased tourist arrivals and investments in the tourism sectors, joint tourism packages, and increased traffic on the Entebbe-Mombasa route operated by Uganda Airlines.

it will also help map/ work out a strategy for joint promotion of trade  between Uganda and Kenya Coast and enhance awareness about the complementarity between the two destinations and the tourism products they offer.

During a media briefing at the Ministry of foregn affairs in kampala,the Commissioner, Human Resource, Ministry of foregn affairs Mr Herbert Kiguuli and the  Consul General of Uganda to Mombasa Ambassador Paul Mukumbya tell the public that the conference shall also  assess the progress made in the cooperation between Uganda and Kenya Coast since the last two conferences.

This will provide a platform for B2B networking, learning and information sharing;and also  equip the key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region with firsthand experiences of key tourism attractions so that they are in a better position.

Source: Capital Radio