Dnata has announced a new initiative designed to reduce its environmental footprint across its operations in the United Arab Emirates.
25.08.2023 - 14:34 / skift.com / Matthew Parsons / Philippe Zuber / Adnan Kazim / Issam Kazim / Emirates Airlines
Blink and you may miss the full tourism recovery of Dubai, as it focuses on returning to pre-pandemic levels of business.
The emirate’s national airline has managed to restore 95 percent of its route network, which comprises 143 destinations. And this was absolutely critical, according to Adnan Kazim, chief commercial officer at Emirates Airlines.
“We were busy putting capacity back,” Kazim said during the second day of Skift Global Forum East on Thursday in Dubai. “We need to go back to 100 percent next year. That’s the goal we have.”
The reason it’s so important is that it gave the Middle East destination the chance to bring in newer markets. Kazim noted that “new pockets” included Canadian tourists.
“There’s a lot coming in,” he added. “When China comes back, it’s a top-up.”
Speed may win, but other panelists said technology and a resulting attention to detail also played a role, which was only made possible by collaboration between different parts of the travel industry in Dubai.
All of the United Arab Emirates is aiming to welcome 40 million visitors by 2031, and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism, said Dubai was unique in the way it works together as an industry — describing the emirate as “Dubai Inc.”
He added: “It’s not us planning in isolation.”
Meanwhile Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airport, said that another key factor was “intimacy.”
“We maintained intimacy with scale,” he said. “A lot of people forget about the key thing: technology is there for people to have a better experience, not make more money for shareholders.”
A coordinated infrastructure also helps guests from the luxury market view the emirate in a more favorable light.
“Dubai has absolutely no equivalent,” argued Philippe Zuber, CEO of hospitality, gaming and entertainment giant Kerzner during the “Dubai and The Future of Travel” panel debate. “The entire experience is designed to please the guest. We don’t have to stress about airlines, airports, accessibility to the city.”
As a result, guests tend to come back after seeing how life is “easy and comfortable.”
“The details make the difference today, as the guests have high expectations,” he told moderator Rafat Ali, CEO of Skift.
Dnata has announced a new initiative designed to reduce its environmental footprint across its operations in the United Arab Emirates.
TUI is expanding the season in Turkey. Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for TUI guests from all markets. 1.9 million guests travelled to Turkey with TUI in 2022. The country is not only a sought-after destination in the summer season. TUI Deutschland customers can book holidays in Antalya all year round. The region on the Turkish Riviera is TUI’s fifth largest destination in the winter season. Now the offer is also being expanded for British guests: for the winter season 2023/24, capacities for Antalya will be increased by 30 per cent.
Titled ‘From Dubai to Emirati Women’, guide lists various outlets that are extending exclusive discounts and offers for women on 28 August
Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, November 23. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
American Express Global Business Travel has partnered with Emirates Group-owned dnata to offer its global clients more local expertise in the Middle East region.
Not all hotels should pursue remote workers, a hotel group CEO has suggested, because they mostly served their purpose during the pandemic.
Travel platform Agoda has been pushing ahead with a series of new fintech partnerships, with its eye on Asia’s corporate travel recovery.
Kerzner International has unveiled its new brand Siro, a set of fitness-themed lifestyle hotels. The developer said on Wednesday that it has slated to open its first property in a tower in One Za’abeel, a luxury community in Dubai, U.A.E., in the last months of 2023.
There’s still something vital missing from the global tourism economy, and that’s the presence of Chinese tourists.
The Middle East’s almost year-long summer is its competitive advantage when attracting the European market. However, the region would do well to add more beachfront properties and curate experiences beyond its Uber-luxury eccentricities.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, December 15, and we are live in Dubai for one last day. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, December 16, and we are headed back from a successful Skift Forum in Dubai. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.