Dubai Tourism hosted 349 trade webinars over a four-month period leading to the city’s reopening to tourists on July 7, as part of a global marketing programme aimed at ensuring Dubai remains top of mind among tourists as a safe must-visit destination
Residents spending time in Dubai and tourists visiting the city have a lot to look forward to this summer season, as Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment announces a series of exciting festival campaigns including Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Eid Al Adha and Back to School (BTS). Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: "This year, more than ever, we look forward to welcoming back the city’s residents and visitors to Summer in Dubai, while ensuring their health and safety remain our highest priority. Through additional safety measures put in place across malls and retail stores, Dubai will once again be the place to be this summer season, and we look forward to another successful and safe edition of DSS, alongside the other summer festivals. As the city thrives, we will bring back our popular events and promotions over the course of seven action-packed weeks, and welcome new elements that will allow shoppers everywhere to participate in the festivities. DSS returns with unbeatable shopping deals, chances to win, family fun, new experiences and endless entertainment to create a memorable summer season ending August 29 this year. WELCOME WEBINARS DUBAI’S Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) webinars brought together over 60,000 participants, including travel agents, tour operators and MICE travel planners in wake of its opening up to the world again. The virtual sessions, held for trade partners and stakeholders, were organised by Dubai Tourism’s International Operations department and its large network of overseas offices. The sessions attracted 60,396 participants including travel agents, tour operators and international meeting, conference and incentive travel planners. Many of these meetings were hosted in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners including Emirates and Expo 2020. A range of topics were presented at the webinars including preparations for the reopening of the city to tourists on July 7 and its position as a safe destination with a focus on the effective citywide management of the pandemic and health and safety protocols. Other topics covered included the procedures to be followed by tourists planning to visit Dubai, the diversity of destination offerings, Expo 2020 Dubai, the online courses available at Dubai College of Tourism and post-pandemic scenarios and strategies aimed at accelerating tourism growth. TIME HOTELS UAE-headquartered hospitality company, TIME Hotels, has launched three new summer promotional packages making it more convenient to book a stay at TIME Hotels in Dubai. Summer guests will be able to book a stay at TIME Crystal, TIME Topaz and TIME Oak Hotel & Suites in Dubai and pay on arrival, as well as enjoy a third for free if they book two nights. A longer term exclusive staycation deal for residents, offers guests up to 35 per cent discount on best available rates with more added benefits. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said: "Staycations are becoming extremely popular, with families preferring to take leisure breaks in local destinations. However, international flights are gradually being reintroduced and the first tourists started arriving in Dubai on 7th July. "So, to satisfy both domestic and potential international demand, we’ve created three promotional offers for this summer, the first two, ‘TIME Free Night’ and ‘TIME to Relax’ which are valid until the 30th of September 2020, are aimed at two distinct market segments." "These are uncertain times, so, we wanted to make the booking decision as simple and as risk-free as possible to reassure our loyal guests that they won’t be impacted financially should circumstances suddenly change," said Awadalla. Furthermore, TIME Hotels has implemented a wide range of new and intensified cleaning measures and sanitisation procedures throughout all public areas as well as in each individual guestroom, in an initiative called ‘Sanitised & Ready’. The improved protocol focuses on the disinfection of all hotel transportation, reception areas, elevators, public rest rooms and guestrooms as well as all F&B outlets and kitchens, complying with the latest government and public health directives. "After a period of lockdown and home schooling, I’m sure many families will be looking for a change of scenery and entertainment to keep the kids occupied in a safe environment. A staycation and DSS will fit the bill perfectly," added Awadalla. TIME Hotels is also continuing with its fully flexible booking option. Not only will guests be able to book now and pay for their stay when they check-in, they will also be able to take advantage of free cancellations or modify their booking free of charge, as well as enjoy hassle-free booking without the need to enter or give out their credit card details during the process. PAWSOME STAYCATIONS It may be summer, but it’s raining cats and dogs at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis with a pet staycation package sure to get tails wagging. Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis welcomes guests back with a fetching staycation package putting quality time with much-loved pets to the top of the priority list. Known for its fond feelings towards man’s best friend, the newly opened hotel will happily host guests along with their four-legged loved ones at no extra charge this summer. Ensuring all RED guests snooze in style, those booking the package can expect rooms kitted out with pet bed and food bowl. Welcome to wag a tail in the hotel’s dynamic lobby or curl up in a corner at OUIBar + Terrace, all animal visitors are free to come and go; while those partial to an early morning or evening stroll, can sniff their way around nearby Silicon Lake. TAJ JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, recently recognised as ‘Favourite New Hotel’ in the Middle East and North Africa region, has launched the longest staycation offer in the city, inviting guests to escape the ordinary, responsibly. With 36 hours of relaxation, automatic room upgrades, access to JLT's highest rooftop pool and restaurant, and ample savings on food and beverage, the redefined staycation experience makes for an essential change of scenery. Stephen Meredith, General Manager of Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, said: "We have put together a fantastically priced, value-driven staycation offer, and guests can rest easy in the knowledge that we have received the Dubai Assured stamp of approval for implementing the highest standards of government compliant health and safety measures." Starting at Dhs249+ ($68+) taxes on double occupancy, the 36-hour Summer Staycation is inclusive of breakfast and other unmatched benefits such as a complimentary room upgrade, early check-in by 6am, and a late check-out by 6pm the next day, plus 20 per cent savings on food and beverage and laundry. Additional meals can choose from a half-board package for Dhs125 ($34) or a full-board package for Dhs250 ($68) per night.