The Abu Dhabi tourism industry is being encouraged to consider a wider engagement with local entrepreneurs in order to boost the emirate's tourism value chain, as part of a new initiative introduced by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi.

Presented to a gathering of hotel general managers and procurement directors, the authority's initiative is set to stimulate the value of the emirate's tourism sector in line with the government's vision of diversifying non-oil GDP industries aligned with the emirate's 2030 economic vision.

"The introduction of a dedicated inward investment strategy will support the local economy and will encourage entrepreneurs to start their own tourism related SMEs and supply their goods and services to the hospitality industry," said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Tourism at TCA Abu Dhabi.

"In turn this will ensure domestic and international tourists receive a unique, authentic visitor experience, and by working with the public and private sectors will enhance and innovate key tourism offerings across Abu Dhabi and attract wider investment in the emirate's tourism supply chain.

"There are countless opportunities for local SMEs or investors to offer their products and services to hotels – traditional Emirati dates and coffee on arrival, a local chocolate on the pillow, Arabian perfumes and scented products in guest rooms, works by Emirati artists adorning walls and corridors, local artefacts and mementos in gift shops. These are all small touches which can create a lasting, visitor impression while benefiting local business," added Al Dhaheri.

According to the 2012 World Travel and Tourism Council Tourism Satellite Account, the value of purchases by tourism providers within the emirate, including imported goods, reached Dh9 billion (US$ 2.64 billion).

The introduction of a programme of targeted investment underpins TCA Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to developing the tourism sector according to Omar Al Busaidy, Abu Dhabi Experience Development Unit Head. "Our fundamental aim is to encourage private sector involvement in the tourism sector and deliver an authentic experience to the benefits of residents and visitors alike."

"Our initial priority is to see tangible results within the emirate's hotel industry through providing unique, distinct products sourced though local goods and services. In turn, this will encourage Abu Dhabi-based SMEs to grow their businesses and become more competitive locally and internationally," he added.

The introduction of specialised visitor experiences, such as the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey, an authentic and informative visitor experience operating from the Eastern Mangroves Marina which highlights the emirate's pearling past aboard a traditional Jalboot dhow, operated by Emirati-entrepreneur Ali Al Saloom, are now regularly featured in tour operator programmes and recommended by hotel concierge across the capital.
Source: WAM