DTCM holds meeting with Dubai Hotel and Hotel Apartment Group to resolve industry related issues

Chaired by Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, Director Operations and Marketing DTCM, the panel held its sixth meeting at the Novotel Hotel in Dubai recently and reviewed the shortcomings and suggestions submitted by the emirate's booming hospitality industry which posted 42 per cent growth in revenues in the first nine months of this year compared with the corresponding period last year.

The participants at the meeting were informed about the various developments actions taken to help the hospitality industry in Dubai. The participants were informed of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Secretariat's decision to keep Al Riqqa Street - venue of a host of outdoor entertainment programmes during the month-long festival -open through out the DSF-2005.

The participants were made aware that the one-year visa for entertainers was only applicable for the five and four-star hotels and the deluxe hotel apartments. The three star hotels have sought for similar service. It also was clarified during the meeting that the five and four-star hotels were exempted from the bank guarantee condition for visas for its staff members. The deluxe hotel apartments have requested for similar exemption.

In addition a number of pressing issues were raised during the meeting, for which the DTCM officials have promised to enact speedy remedial measures.

The group members include representatives of the Dubai Naturalization and Residence Department (DNRD), Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Dubai Shopping Malls Group.

Bin Hareb said: "We are constantly trying to find ways in making Dubai a friendly place to live and these meetings help us to take corrective measures to enhance visitors experience during their visit to Dubai."