Reviving the industry with govt support

At a time when the industry needs a team of experts to get the ball rolling after a stringent lockdown for almost three months, it is quite a positive vibe to note that all the stalwarts in the industry have initiated a group that can revive the industry with the support of the government leaders. Asim Arshard, President of Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group speaks with TRAVTALK.

Shehara Rizly

Could you share with us the role of the Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group?

The Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) was established in 2004 with an objective to create an environment conducive for interaction amongst travel trade members, achieve our business goals, and promote and foster cooperation, goodwill and better understanding within and outside the group.

Will you be lobbying for a travel and tourism package from the relevant authorities?

We are not exactly lobbying for a travel and tourism package, but yes we are in discussion with the local government authorities especially the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Economic Department (DED)  to secure whatever support they can offer, because the government does recognise that our industry is the worst impacted.

How will this group support the agents and operators post COVID?

This group offers a platform to discuss our concerns and to be together at this critical time, so as the world navigates these unprecedented times, DTTAG wants to ensure our members of solidarity, now more so than ever before, so that no member is alone. For example, we are in constant coordination with the government authorities, with IATA Gulf, and different airlines to garner as much support as possible.

All the stalwarts in the industry are part of this group, so will it be only focusing on Dubai or will you also focus on Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi?

DTTAG is established under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and therefore the main focus is the emirate of Dubai. However, we always work very closely with the travel agents in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Northern Emirates. As a matter of fact, a number of the members of DTTAG have offices in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Northern Emirates, so there is automatic support and coordination.

Is there a registration for the group? If so, how can others be part of this group?

Any travel agency licensed in the emirate of Dubai can become a member of this group, for which the
process is very simple.

Constant Coordination

We are in discussion with the local government authorities especially the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Economic Department to secure whatever support they can offer, because the government does recognise that our industry is the worst impacted