Abu Dhabi’s Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) has unveiled plans to boost the participation of SMEs active in the emirate’s burgeoning tourism and leisure sector.
The initiative, announced yesterday, will involve the TCA encouraging local and international tourism operators in Abu Dhabi to engage more with local entrepreneurs for the provision of goods and services. It also aims to boost local and foreign investment among SMEs active in the sector, in line with Abu Dhabi government efforts to stimulate non-oil industries as part of its 2030 economic vision.
"The introduction of a dedicated inward investment strategy will support the local economy and will encourage entrepreneurs to start their own tourism-related SMEs and supply their goods and services to the hospitality industry," said Sultan Al Dhaheri, the acting executive director of Tourism at TCA Abu Dhabi. "In turn this will ensure tourists receive a unique, authentic visitor experience, and by working with the public and private sectors will enhance key tourism offerings across Abu Dhabi and attract wider investment in the emirate's tourism supply chain."
The programme will initially focus on Abu Dhabi's hotel sector, via the provision of "unique, distinct products" sourced via local SMEs.
“Countless” opportunities exist for local SMEs and investors in this space, said Mr Al Dhaheri, from traditional local coffee and dates in hotels, to authentic tourist experiences and locally manufactured artefacts and mementos.
“These are all small touches which can create a lasting, visitor impression while benefiting local business,” he said.
The TCA said in February that it was targeting 3.5 million visitors to the emirate in 2015, up from 3.49 million last year.
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