In a groundbreaking initiative, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has unveiled the “Tourist Loyalty Card” programme, the first of its kind globally for cities. This initiative, recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, aims to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism sector.
Exclusive Benefits for Frequent Visitors
The programme offers exclusive five-year memberships to repeat visitors in Dubai, available strictly through partner invitations. Members will enjoy a range of unique benefits, services, and experiences, including a multi-entry tourist visa valid for five years. The primary objective is to encourage guests to revisit Dubai, making their travel experience easier and more distinctive, thereby strengthening their connection with the emirate.
Extensive Support from Private Sector Partners
Supported by a wide array of private sector partners, the programme presents a variety of exclusive offers and incentives for returning visitors to Dubai. Membership activation for eligible frequent visitors will occur once their visa applications are approved and they meet the specified criteria. Following confirmation of membership, participants will immediately gain access to an array of exclusive advantages offered by programme partners, including the Happiness Card for tourists from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, as well as credit provided by Majid Al Futtaim that can be used in its retail stores and destinations.
Future Exclusive Offers and Collaborations
Additional exclusive benefits will soon be announced, which will include room upgrades, access to lounges, and priority reservations for events. Invitations to join the Tourist Loyalty Card will be extended to eligible travellers through select loyalty programmes and global companies among the programme’s inaugural partners, including Emirates Airlines, Accor, and Visa. More partners are expected to join the initiative in the future.
Vision for Sustainable Visitor Relationships
Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai’s Tourism and Commerce Marketing Corporation under the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, emphasized that the launch of the Tourist Loyalty Card programme embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. The initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to continuous innovation in the tourism sector, enhancing its global competitiveness through initiatives that enrich visitor experiences and encourage repeat visits to the emirate.
Moreover, Lieutenant General Khaled Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General for Entry and Residency Permits in the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, remarked that the Tourist Loyalty Card programme represents a practical step towards Dubai’s ambition of building sustainable relationships with its visitors, offering services that facilitate their return while providing added value with each visit.
Benefits for Global Companies
The Tourist Loyalty Card programme brings tangible benefits to global companies by enabling their employees from around the world to participate repeatedly in Dubai’s meetings and events throughout the year, taking advantage of their stays to explore the city’s exceptional and diverse experiences.