Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the apex body managing the tourism industry within the Arabian Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the economic development agency of Singapore’s tourism sector, have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at deepening strategic relations and co-operation between the two.
The five-year renewable MOU was signed in Abu Dhabi today between HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA and Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive, STB. It was witnessed by Singapore’s President, HE S. R. Nathan, who is in the UAE capital on an official visit, HE Mohamed Ahmed Al-Bawardi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council, and HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTA.
“This MOU signifies a coming of age for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector recognising it as an important and effective driver in the promotion of economic diversification and co-operation, and serves to strengthen the ADTA’s international engagement and collaborative efforts,” said Sheikh Sultan.
Under the MOU the two signatories will exchange information and documentation on professional training for tourism sector employees and explore organisation and industry training initiatives such as study trips, the staging of training seminars for tourism officials and professionals and facilitate training by suitable tourism experts.
The partners will also carry out joint research studies in areas of mutual interest, and share best practices through information and process exchange to deepen their knowledge and skill sets.
“In the STB we have a partner with 45 years experience and numerous international accolades which we can leverage to lead our tourism sector to greater heights and future success,” said Al Muhairi.
“Singapore shares with us the commonality of adopting an open approach to economic and tourism development, as well as that of a small native population with a tourism industry which is, in part, reliant on foreign expertise and labour. Our shared experiences and knowledge will forge new development horizons for the good both of our local human resource pool, and ultimately our destinations.”
The MOU also provides for mutual support and assistance in tourism marketing and promotions in each other’s countries and regions by leveraging their local networks and contacts, as well as the future establishment of tourism promotion offices in each other’s countries.
“Abu Dhabi and Singapore share a common belief and interest in the role of tourism for long term economic growth and development," said Ms. Aw Kah Peng.
"The STB is pleased to enter this MOU with our counterpart in Abu Dhabi as it underscores our long term commitment to the Middle East and reflects Singapore's aim to deepen our engagement with this region," she concluded.
ADTA and STB will also leverage the MOU to facilitate engagement and co-operation between their respective tourism-related private sector enterprises.
Abu Dhabi’s links with Singapore are expanding. The island state’s national carrier, the award-winning Singapore Airlines on March 15 increased its flights from Changi International to Abu Dhabi International from three flights a week to a daily service. Etihad, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, flies thrice-weekly from Abu Dhabi International to Changi International.
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