Apart from an innovation and technology hub, Dubai is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Asia. Dubai’s geographical location serves in a great way to attract revenue from Tourism related activities. Dubai serves as a connectivity hub for tourists who travel from the west to east and vice versa. Tourists from the west travel to Africa and Asia via Dubai. Hence the Connectivity factor associated with Dubai is huge. By 2020, it is predicted that the passenger movement through Dubai International Airport would reach 75 million.

Travel and Tourism sector has a significant contribution towards UAE’s GDP figures. Based on 2016 statistics, the total contribution was AED 150 billion – GDP’s 12.1%. The sector supports more than 300,000 direct jobs in the UAE – 5.4% of overall employment.

Several initiatives have been launched by the UAE Government in the Travel and Tourism sector. The initiatives are launched in different Emirates and some of them are Abu Dhabi Sustainable Tourism, Dubai Tourism Strategy 2020 etc.

The skyscraper wonder, Burj Khalifa in Dubai alone attracts nearly 2 million visitors every year. And yes, Dubai has a lot to offer in Travel and Tourism for investors all around the world.

• Here are the business establishments that require a valid Tourism License for operation in Dubai and UAE.

   Travel firms

   Hotels

   Restaurants

   Car rental firms

   Travel agents

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The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is in charge of the travel and Tourism license issuance. And hence you need to approach the same agency in order to set up a travel and tourism enterprise in Dubai. When it comes to travel and tourism, 3 different types of licenses are issued based on the operation. And they are listed below:

 Inbound Tourism operation license

 Outbound Tourism operation license

 Travel agent license

Each license has its own features, benefits and drawbacks. Kindly read on to understand the 3 type of licenses.

• Businesses planning to conduct Inbound Tourism activities must possess an Inbound Tourism operation license. All Inbound tour operators are required to have the same license. An Inbound tour license holder can conduct tour and sightseeing activities within the limits of Dubai. The inbound tour operator can arrange tour programs associated with events and conferences. Another mandatory requirement is an insurance policy to deal with travel-related uncertainties. The policy will be valid for the full term of the license.
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• Both inbound and outbound tour operation in Dubai shall be possible with an Outbound Tour License. This means that tour operators can arrange tour programs beyond the limits of Dubai – which is not in the case of Inbound License. The Outbound license holder has the added advantage of conducting international meetings and conferences. The insurance policy requirement is mandatory for Outbound License too. The validity of the policy covers the full term of the license. The bank guarantee amount of Outbound Tour License exceeds Inbound Tour License amount.

• Travel agent license is required for travel agents who involve in activities like visa support, travel accommodation, tour and sightseeing operations, transportation, air ticket sales etc. The prerequisites for the Travel Agent License is the same as Outbound and Inbound Licenses. However, there is an additional requirement. Department of Civil Aviation’s NOC or No Objection Certificate is mandatory for the license issuance. In order to apply for a NOC, a request letter in Arabic on behalf of the local sponsor is necessary.

Since Dubai is a tourist hub, getting a tourism license in Dubai is not a complicated procedure if you follow the necessary steps accurately. Given below are the essential documents needed to obtain a tourism license in Dubai so that you can set up your travel and tourism business.

Application form

Applicant’s passport (copy)

Proof of educational and professional qualification of manager

The Company owner and the manager should produce a certificate that endorses no criminal record.

Civil Aviation Authority’s NOC.

Attested document supporting office space of 30 Sq.m

A tour guide is someone who guides and accompanies the tourists to important tourist destinations or places of interest in Dubai. The tour guide should have an in-depth knowledge of the tourist spots and good insight into the culture and history of the Emirates. And the job requires a valid Tour Guide License. Here are the rules and regulations associated with Tour Guide License in Dubai.

DTCM issues the Tour guide license badge. The badge is mandatory for any tour guide to operating in Dubai.

The applicant should appear for Tour Guide Award program and complete it successfully.

The validity of the tour guide license is 1 year.

The license has a yearly renewal. The license renewal can be accomplished only when the tour guide appears for the DTCM-approved annual refresher program.

If license renewal is not done for 2 successive years, the tour guide shall be liable to face the penalty stated by DTCM.

A valid license badge is mandatory for employment purposes.

Acquire Tourism License via Investo. There are many benefits that we assure.

The travel company can offer visit visas, conduct air ticket sales Conduct guided tours and other tourism-oriented activities Set up international conferences, meeting and events.

Promote tourism activities inside and outside the country Assist you in finding an appropriate office space for your tour firm. Systematically performs the entire travel license documentation. Systematic department-level coordination.

The travel and tourism sector in Dubai is witnessing huge investments in recent years. And yes – it’s a booming sector. Make full use of the technological and infrastructure advancement of Dubai and invest wisely. The Dubai World Expo 2020 is expected to generate large revenue for the Tourism sector. Any advice, suggestions or consultation regarding Tourism license in Dubai, feel free to contact Investo Business Setup Services.