Maktoum Bin Mohammed Discusses Global Travel Partnerships With Kuoni Foundation Chairman Karl Hofstetter

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, recently met with Karl Hofstetter, Chairman of the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation Council. Their discussions centred on the UAE's dedication to forming partnerships with global leaders in travel, tourism, and services to enhance worldwide connectivity and improve visitor experiences.

The meeting underscored the UAE's strategy of integrating top-tier infrastructure with supportive business regulations and a dynamic investment climate. This approach aims to solidify its status as a premier global hub for travel, tourism, and services. The dialogue also explored potential collaborations between Dubai and the foundation in areas like travel facilitation, tourism services, and technological advancements.

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Partnerships with international industry leaders are crucial for advancing Dubai’s vision of enhancing global mobility. These alliances support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33's objective to position the city among the top three destinations for business and leisure by 2033. Such collaborations aim to streamline travel processes worldwide.

The Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation was established in 1957 in Stans, Switzerland. It supports companies from the former Kuoni Group, holding key shares in VFS Global and Hotelbeds Group. The foundation also fully owns Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd and Kuoni Travel IP Ltd, managing its travel businesses while safeguarding its brand assets globally.

The foundation is committed to charitable activities focused on environmental protection, cultural understanding, and aiding disadvantaged children in tourism regions. These initiatives align closely with Dubai’s commitment to promoting global welfare and supporting communities worldwide.

Present at the meeting were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); and Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

With inputs from WAM