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"handy" will be offered free of charge to visitors in the UAE at leading 4 and 5-star hotels
Dubai, UAE - In a development that is going to provide further impetus to the growth of the UAE as a burgeoning global tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) destination, du – the UAE’s integrated telecommunications service provider today announce a partnership with Tink Labs Limited, one of Hong Kong’s most successful start-ups that has revolutionized hospitality technology. The agreement was signed between du and Tink Labs on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market event with the support of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at Dubai World Trade Centre.
For the first time ever, the introduction of ‘handy’, the innovative in-room smartphone for hotels, will give visitors to to Dubai connectivity anywhere in the UAE. To begin with, the facility will be offered through select 4 and 5 star hotels. du is committed to providing innovative products that will increase the loyalty and happiness of guests visiting the UAE.
A pilot project has already been completed in association with Fairmont The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, The Westin and Dusit Thani in Dubai with the support of DTCM.
“The UAE is a major tourist hotspot and international business destination. At du, we want to revolutionise the experience for travellers by providing them with a service and a smartphone that conveniently keeps them connected anywhere in the UAE. Our goal is to continue adding life to life for everyone in the UAE and providing innovative solutions that promote the happiness of travellers when visiting this nation and its hotels. ‘Handy’ is a disruptive service and first for the UAE market,“ said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Operations Officer, du.
“We are excited to be partnering with du to bring unparalleled connectivity to UAE travellers through “handy”. We want Dubai to be the first in the world to provide our visitors with the latest means of digital communication, making it easier for them to search, communicate and share their knowledge and unique experiences in Dubai. We are confident that UAE visitors will rapidly adopt the service of this device, and it will be an important communication tool for tourist,” said Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director, Development and Investments, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
“Hotel guests in Europe and across Asia have enriched their travel experience with the ‘handy’ in-room smartphone, while hoteliers have found a new and innovative way to engage their customers,“ said Terence Kwok, CEO, Tink Labs.
“We now have a tremendous opportunity to bring this superior guest experience to the UAE by partnerning with du, and helping to build on the UAE’s hard-won reputation in fostering tourism.”
‘handy’ which is available in Arabic and English – will help connect tourists with their destination through tailored city guide information, discounts and promotions and pre-installed mobile applications, while allowing them to remain in contact with their hotel at all times, all for free during their stay in Dubai.
Not only is the service beneficial for travellers but for hotels alike. Hotels in the UAE will be able to remain in contact with guests at all times, increase guests’ satisfaction and provide an integrated TripAdvisor feedback system. handy is already live in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Bangkok, London, Milano, Rome, Istanbul, Barcelona and Paris and recently launched in the GCC.
To know more about Handy, please visit https://www.handy.travel/
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About handy
handy, the flagship product from Tink Labs Limited, is an innovative mobile travel solution that combines the functionality of a personal smartphone and hotel services into one fully integrated device. Each handy smartphone is customized for the hotel and provides travelers with free unlimited internet, local and international calls, as well as an interactive city guide and one-click access to the hotel's concierge and amenities. handy is already available in 20 cities, covering 100,000 rooms and helped 12 million global travelers stay connected.
About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)
With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai to global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate.
Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector; markets and promotes the emirate’s commerce sector; and is responsible for the licencing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Convention and Events Bureau, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (formerly known as Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment).
© Press Release 2017
