KHALEEJ TIMES, Thursday, Apr 22, 2021 | Ramadan 10, 1442
DCT Abu Dhabi unveils Tourism Quality Standards and Licensing Framework
Emirates:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has
announced the completion of the establishment of its fully-fledged Tourism
Quality Standards and Licensing Framework, a comprehensive quality scheme
which will be implemented across Abu Dhabi’s tourism products and services.
The initiative was developed to support the overall growth of the tourism sector
by enhancing the visitor experience and creating a transparent business
environment. The framework’s key objectives are to enhance transparency,
increase demand, promote competitiveness and improve the overall quality of
tourism in the emirate.
The Framework includes 10 distinct quality standards manuals which will be used
by the different tourism products, attractions and services across the tourism
sector, including amusement parks, live events, cultural sites and activities,
and outdoor and adventures activities amongst others. The Framework and its
manuals have been created in line with international best practices for tourism
quality framework and licensing guidelines.
"The new Tourism Quality Standards and Licensing Framework is a comprehensive
framework with key guidelines for quality, designed to support the development
of the Emirate’s tourism sector,” said Nawal Rashid Al Hassani, executive
director of Strategy and Planning Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi.
“By introducing the new Framework with its detailed manuals, we are encouraging
touristic businesses to implement a minimum standard for quality, in line with
international metrics. As we continue to build on our state-of-the-art tourism
offerings, we are, in effect, elevating our standing as a world-class tourism
destination underpinned by safety, and becoming an increasingly attractive
option for local and international tourists,” Al Hassani said.
The Tourism Quality Standards Framework involved key inputs gathered from more
than 80 international sources, as well as feedback and input from a number of
stakeholders consultation sessions.
DCT Abu Dhabi is now rolling out a pilot phase of the Framework across various
tourism businesses in the emirate. After completing the pilot phase, the
Department will implement the full Framework later this year.
|