DESTINATION - Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority launches first generation stakeholder programme
- United Arab Emirates: 6 hours, 49 minutes ago
- PRESS RELEASE
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages the tourism industry within the Arabian Gulf emirate, has launched its first generation stakeholder programme 'Partners in Progess' to co-ordinate industry-wide destination development and promotion efforts.
Under the programme, the authority has established five industry development committees (IDCs) representing the 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 programme also features an annual 'State of the Industry' forum, which will update the industry on progress and plans going forward.
Launching the programme, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon 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.
he said.
"We share one common aim - the delivery of an internationally recognised, sustainable tourism product, one which stands apart for its solid commitment to preservation of our environment, our heritage and traditions. In looking to the future, we will not lose sight of the past.
"All of you here serve an industry which is emerging as a key economic driver. We have achieved a great deal, but have yet more to do before welcoming our targeted 2.3m hotel guests by 2012.
"ADTA believes it alone cannot deliver the destination excellence our targets require - the task must be shared by all who invest in it, work in it, and most importantly - partner it."
The programme was instantly welcomed by some of Abu Dhabi's leading tourism industry stakeholders who pledged strong support for it.
HE Mohammed Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Director General, Abu Dhabi's Western Region Development Council said the programme 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."
HE Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, (ADNH) said the entire spectrum of the industry stands to benefit from the programme.
"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 programme would go a long way to enhance public-private sector communications.
"Having the 'Partners in Progress' programme 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.
James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, forecast that in the long-run, 'Partners in Progress', will hone Abu Dhabi's competitive edge.
"The more we come together as one, the more we can profile the brand and, more importantly the more we can deliver on what we say in regards to services and infrastructure, the more we can be different and competitive. I believe that we are where the Asian destinations were 30 years ago - Abu Dhabi is a new hub, a new centre of the world and by delivering that message as one, I think we can ensure we will be seen as the best in the world," he said.
Ali Bin Harmel Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, now the Gulf's largest meetings industry facility and one of the world's most modern, described Partners in Progress as a "timely initiative."
"It is perfect timing as Abu Dhabi is working on so many outstanding projects in. All we need is to unite the efforts. By all of us working in a formalised way together we will deliver service excellence and an exceptional experience," he said.
Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, of Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels & Resorts said the ultimate beneficiary of the programme 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.
The launch of 'Partners in Progress' was followed by an industry celebration with around 800 guests in the gardens of Abu Dhabi's Al Raha Beach Hotel which marked the fifth anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
The programme also features an annual 'State of the Industry' forum, which will update the industry on progress and plans going forward.
Launching the programme, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon 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 co-operate 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 recognised, sustainable tourism product, one which stands apart for its solid commitment to preservation of our environment, our heritage and traditions. In looking to the future, we will not lose sight of the past.
"All of you here serve an industry which is emerging as a key economic driver. We have achieved a great deal, but have yet more to do before welcoming our targeted 2.3m hotel guests by 2012.
"ADTA believes it alone cannot deliver the destination excellence our targets require - the task must be shared by all who invest in it, work in it, and most importantly - partner it."
The programme was instantly welcomed by some of Abu Dhabi's leading tourism industry stakeholders who pledged strong support for it.
HE Mohammed Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Director General, Abu Dhabi's Western Region Development Council said the programme 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."
HE Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, (ADNH) said the entire spectrum of the industry stands to benefit from the programme.
"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 programme would go a long way to enhance public-private sector communications.
"Having the 'Partners in Progress' programme 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.
James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, forecast that in the long-run, 'Partners in Progress', will hone Abu Dhabi's competitive edge.
"The more we come together as one, the more we can profile the brand and, more importantly the more we can deliver on what we say in regards to services and infrastructure, the more we can be different and competitive. I believe that we are where the Asian destinations were 30 years ago - Abu Dhabi is a new hub, a new centre of the world and by delivering that message as one, I think we can ensure we will be seen as the best in the world," he said.
Ali Bin Harmel Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, now the Gulf's largest meetings industry facility and one of the world's most modern, described Partners in Progress as a "timely initiative."
"It is perfect timing as Abu Dhabi is working on so many outstanding projects in. All we need is to unite the efforts. By all of us working in a formalised way together we will deliver service excellence and an exceptional experience," he said.
Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, of Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels & Resorts said the ultimate beneficiary of the programme 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.
The launch of 'Partners in Progress' was followed by an industry celebration with around 800 guests in the gardens of Abu Dhabi's Al Raha Beach Hotel which marked the fifth anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
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