The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered (MoU) with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, to enhance the destination’s offerings and elevate visitor experience.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Under the agreement, both parties will carry out joint marketing initiatives, training programs for hospitality professionals, and develop new tourism experiences. The partnership highlights DET’s commitment to working with regional and international hospitality brands to promote innovation and industry excellence, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The collaboration will see DET and IHG Hotels & Resorts work together on marketing and promotional campaigns. The two entities will also collaboratively create and enhance tourism products that showcase Dubai’s unique attractions, including cultural heritage tours and seasonal offers, which will be integrated into special packages that cater to different markets.
His Excellency Issam Kazim CEO – Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)
“Inspired by our city’s leadership and their focus on leveraging partnerships across the public and private sectors, this strategic collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts is an important step in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda and will keep Dubai top-of-mind globally. It is a testament to the pivotal role of our stakeholders in driving sustainable growth and innovation in Dubai’s tourism sector, and will showcase the city to new audiences across international markets. As we continue to collaborate, we will introduce new experiences that attract a diverse range of travelers and enhance the city’s appeal as a world-class destination, enabling Dubai to further position itself as the best city to visit, live, and work in.”
Under the MoU, employees at IHG Hotels & Resorts can benefit from training courses, offered by DET’s Dubai College of Tourism, and hotel staff can also enjoy access to relevant resources and experts. The initiative seeks to equip employees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices.
Another key focus is the integration of Dubai tourism experiences into the hotel group’s global IHG One Rewards loyalty program with more than 130 million members, to incentivize repeat visits and strengthen guest engagement.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added that, “Testament to our commitment to support the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai, we are delighted to partner with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism through this strategic MoU. At IHG Hotels & Resorts we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests at exciting destinations, and this collaboration will allow us to showcase Dubai’s unique offerings even more widely and effectively. By leveraging our global and local reach through our world class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards as well as impactful marketing and promotional campaigns, as we aim to promote Dubai as an inviting destination while enhancing the visitor experience, in line with our dedication to excellence in hospitality.”
