The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages the tourism industry in the Arabian Gulf emirate, has launched its first generation stakeholder program ‘Partners in Progess’ to coordinate industrywide destination development and promotion efforts.
Under the program, the authority has established five industry development committees (IDCs) representing tour operator, retail and attractions, accommodation, transport and business tourism sectors. The IDCs will meet regularly with the authority to identify challenges and opportunities and input into driving product development. Each committee leader will also serve on an overarching industry panel which will help inform the emirate’s tourism strategy going forward.
The program also features an annual ‘State of the Industry’ forum, which will update the industry on progress and plans going forward. Launching the program, Sheikh Sultan Al-Nahyan, chairman, ADTA, told a gathering of several hundred representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry that the launch of ‘Partners in Progress’ represented a new milestone for the sector. It was, he said, a framework to bring together, and hone, the support the industry already lends the authority into a more structured framework.
“This campaign will bring us together to further cooperate in all we do — and to ensure we speak with one voice. We will adopt the ‘One Destination’ approach which helped us secure host status for the 2012 World Ophthalmology Congress. We can now build on this successful formula,” he said.
“We share one common aim — the delivery of an internationally recognized, sustainable tourism product, one which stands apart for its solid commitment to preservation of our environment, our heritage and traditions.”
The program was welcomed by some of Abu Dhabi’s leading tourism industry stakeholders who pledged strong support for it. Mohammed Bin Azzan Al-Mazrouei, director general, Abu Dhabi’s Western Region Development Council said the program represented a much-needed avenue for enhanced communication.
“We can’t over communicate in the Abu Dhabi Government. The more we know about projects in Abu Dhabi, the more we can help. I think Partners in Progress is a great initiative and we in Al-Gharbia will go the extra mile to support it.”
Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, chairman, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, (ADNH) said the entire industry stands to benefit from the program.
“It’s a smart move in bringing all the stakeholders together to define the strategy and way forward for tourism in Abu Dhabi. It’s good to work together, and ADNH will benefit from this initiative since ADNH is involved in sport, hotels, transport, catering and hospitality. It will help us work together and that will benefit ADNH and its stakeholders,” he said.
Mohammed Abdul Latif Kanoo, Area Executive, Kanoo Group, which operates one of the Middle East’s largest travel companies, said the program would go a long way to enhance public-private sector communications. “Having the ‘Partners in Progress’ program here in Abu Dhabi is critical for bringing together people in direct contact with the ADTA, which is also the Government, and having that open dialogue is very, very critical for Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Nasser Al-Nowais, Chairman, of Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels & Resorts said the ultimate beneficiary of the program would be the tourist. “Partners in Progress is sending a message that we intend to look after the visitor from the minute they arrive here, from the minute they touch down at the airport right through their entire stay. This involves airlines, the hotels, the taxi operators and even the people serving in the shops. If we get it right together, visitors will be our greatest ambassadors spreading the word that when we promise travellers welcome, it’s a promise we live up to,” he commented.