Abu Dhabi Sets New Standards in Tourism Excellence with Sustainability and Competitiveness Conference

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with the UNWTO Academy, recently hosted a pivotal conference at St Regis Abu Dhabi, focusing on 'Sustainability and Competitiveness: Tourism Potentials and Challenges'. This event marked a significant step towards enhancing the quality assurance in tourism through the introduction of UNWTO QUEST and UNWTO TedQual Certifications. The conference attracted a diverse group of experts and stakeholders in the field of sustainability and tourism, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of how diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and strategic leadership can boost destination competitiveness.

The conference agenda was rich with discussions on practices and strategies that tourism stakeholders can adopt to make destinations more competitive and responsible. Among the notable attendees were Hala Khaled Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD) at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; and Ammar Anwar Sajwani, Director of Tourism Development Department, UAE Ministry of Economy. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the tourism sector.

Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the role of education in achieving tourism excellence. "Through various initiatives, we are enabling industry-wide discussions that contribute to a sustainable tourism future," he stated. This reflects DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to leveraging innovation and fostering discussions that lead to impactful changes within Abu Dhabi's tourism sector.

The event highlighted the critical role of collaboration in enhancing Abu Dhabi's competitiveness. Hala Khaled Al Ameri remarked on the transformative effect of working together, which has been instrumental in achieving success. This sentiment was echoed throughout the conference, showcasing the value of partnerships in building a stronger future for tourism.

The conference also featured keynote speakers from UNWTO Academy and UNWTO QUEST Certification. A total of 100 individuals, comprising 65 DCT Abu Dhabi employees and 35 stakeholders, completed 120 hours of training focused on tourism leadership and sustainability. Noteworthy contributions came from Carol Hay, Chief Tourism Officer at McKenzie Gayle Limited, who spoke on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, while Dr. Svetla Ivanova Stoyanova-Bozhkova, Principal Academic in Strategic Management, shared insights on sustainability in tourism.

In line with DCT Abu Dhabi's dedication to advancing the tourism industry and empowering young individuals, UNWTO TedQual certification for quality tourism education was introduced during the conference. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure continued excellence in tourism through education and innovation.

The conference on 'Sustainability and Competitiveness: Tourism Potentials and Challenges' stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and education in driving forward a sustainable and competitive future for tourism in Abu Dhabi. It highlights the ongoing commitment of DCT Abu Dhabi and its partners to fostering an environment where strategic leadership, sustainability, and inclusivity play pivotal roles in shaping the sector's trajectory.

With inputs from WAM