DTCM addresses tourism strategic plan in industry meeting

The meeting, chaired by the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, was arranged to highlight the salient features of the DTCM Strategic Plan to the industry partners and obtained their inputs for putting together the draft Strategic Plan for submission to the higher authorities for a final decision.

Senior DTCM officials were present at the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various government organizations as well.

The DTCM Strategic Plan is aligned with the Dubai Strategic Plan announced by H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai earlier this year.

The meeting also discussed about the Dubai Strategic Transportation Plan-2020 in addition to follow-up on the issues like medical facilities at hotel establishments, city hotel access to the beach, smoking ban, DSF timing and RTA issues.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. bin Sulayem said the tourism industry inputs has remained essential for the success of tourism in Dubai. The Dubai Strategic Plan identifies tourism as one of the major contributors to the Dubai Economy and a crucial sector for future growth.

The DTCM, he said, has taken this vision on board and aligned its own Strategic plan to the Dubai Strategic Plan.

Mr. bin Sulayem said: "Dubai, with its rapid multi-sector development plans, has to adapt to the changing situation to maintain supremacy in the global market and benefit from the global growth trends. It is vital to identify and tap the opportunities through appropriate strategies and action plan to achieve success for which Dubai is now known all over the world.

"We have to pump more energy into our promotional and marketing initiatives by being innovative and trend-setter. We also have to provide visitors with unique experiences alongside matching our infrastructure and facilities with their needs. This approach will help us continue build Dubai's reputation as a premier holiday and business destination of the world."

In the DTCM Strategic Plan preparation process, the department initiated consultations with a cross section of Dubai stakeholders and international trade partners in addition to Focus Group discussions with representatives of the tourism industry.

The department conducted extensive dialogues, debates and brainstorming with its network of 15 Overseas Offices.

It also took into consideration the evaluation of the internal DTCM structure and a review of its operational and marketing policies, Review of the 'Tourism Satellite Account' produced by Global Insights, Review of the DGEP (Dubai Government Award for Excellence) Report and an extensive survey of Dubai visitors conducted by DTCM.

The DTCM will continually evaluate the Strategic Plan throughout the duration of its validity with twice yearly assessments to ensure that the key goals & objectives are achieved and vision of the government are fulfilled.