'Signs of progress' in Abu Dhabi as it prepares to receive tourists

Abu Dhabi is seeing "signs of progress" within the tourism sector as the emirate prepares to gradually open up to international travel. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi), hotel occupancy rates in the capital "have risen by 3 per cent year-on-year since July 1". They are expected to rise further with the launch of a number of initiatives within the emirate aimed at boosting the sector.

The UAE government has received global praise for its response in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as for how it has proactively managed its social and economic impact. "The local government in Abu Dhabi, in turn, has relentlessly increased testing for Covid-19, and implemented strict measures," the authority said.

These measures have resulted in cases dipping to less than 1 per cent in Abu Dhabi City.

"DCT-Abu Dhabi has also been working closely over the past period with industry partners and stakeholders to introduce a number of initiatives to aid hotels and cultural attractions in reopening," the authority said. "The Go Safe certification programme is among the initiatives rolled out to boost consumer confidence and the tourism sector within Abu Dhabi."

The programme aims to regulate hygiene standards by implementing a strict set of guidelines across all tourism destinations including hotels, malls, restaurants, museums, public beaches, theme parks and other attractions. To date, more than 80 per cent of hotels in Abu Dhabi have started the process to become 'Go Safe' certified, with W hotel and Louvre Abu Dhabi among first venues to obtain the certification.

Safe zone for UFC Fight Island

UFC Fight Island, which is taking place on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island from July 11 to 25, is another major step towards rebooting tourism in the capital. Abu Dhabi is hosting over 1,632 local crew members, as well as 609 international delegates flying in on 63 commercial flights. All attendees will be staying within a safe zone of 11 square kilometres on Yas Island, comprising seven hotels and several dedicated facilities.

Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "Abu Dhabi has long been known for its unparalleled hospitality and diverse range of offerings. The progress we have seen since the start of this month was achieved by simply leveraging our offerings and the existing high standard of hospitality.

"The support we have received from government authorities has also been a key driver in the progress of the tourism sector. Their handling of the current situation has been beyond exceptional, providing us with a sense of optimism for the future of our destination and sector."

Schemes to support tourism

The government has also offered a range of schemes, including up to 20 per cent rental rebates for restaurants, tourism and entertainment facilities, and a suspension of tourism and municipality fees for sector players for 2020.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi have started opening after adhering to guidelines set out earlier this month following an extensive period of sterilisation.

"As Abu Dhabi cautiously moves towards opening its borders to visitors, the tourism sector is witnessing strong collaborations across both public and private sectors to prepare for the reopening of popular attractions and museums in the emirate," the DCT-Abu Dhabi added.

sahim@khaleejtimes.com