Dubai Department Of Economy And Tourism Partners With Visa To Enhance International Tourism Growth

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Visa to boost international tourism and enhance visitor experiences in the city. This strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. It aims to utilise Visa's data insights to improve marketing, streamline services, and offer tailored promotions for tourists.

Visa's data-driven insights will help DET optimise marketing campaigns and create customer-centric initiatives. By understanding visitor journeys, spending habits, and preferences, DET can ensure seamless experiences for tourists. This collaboration aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to strengthen Dubai's position as a top global destination for business and tourism.

In the first quarter of 2025, Dubai welcomed 5.31 million international overnight visitors, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. The MoU was signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar from Visa.

Issam Kazim highlighted Visa's role in enhancing Dubai’s tourism ecosystem through secure payment solutions. He stated that this partnership combines DET’s market insights with Visa’s global network and data intelligence. "Visa has been a driving force behind Dubai’s vibrant tourism ecosystem," he said, emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving economic success.

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar expressed excitement about partnering with DET to provide insights into travel trends. She noted that these insights would help DET make informed decisions on campaigns to attract more international tourists to Dubai. "We are thrilled to partner with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to provide Visa’s unique insights into global travel and tourism trends," she added.

Supporting Local Businesses

Visa will also assist DET with marketing activities and exclusive promotions for cardholders across its network, which spans over 200 markets worldwide. This includes collaborations with major hotel chains, airlines, and retailers. Such efforts will expand the reach of Dubai's tourism operators, creating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to engage globally.

These initiatives aim to simplify travel services, making them more accessible for visitors while supporting local businesses in reaching a wider audience. The collaboration underscores Dubai's commitment to being a leader in tourism, commerce, and innovation while benefiting the broader UAE economy.

The partnership between DET and Visa is set to elevate Dubai’s global visibility as a must-visit destination by enriching its tourism offerings. Through this collaboration, both entities aim to create greater value for visitors, residents, and businesses alike by showcasing unforgettable moments in the city.

With inputs from WAM