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How to start your Tourism Business in the UAE

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How to start your Tourism Business in the UAE

Samantha Simms

Samantha Simms

Business Setup Consultant

15 March 2023

Despite the challenges of 2020, The UAE, especially Dubai,  has made an impressive recovery in terms of its tourism business. Between January and May 2022, 6.17 million international overnight visitors flocked to this vibrant destination which was a staggering 197 percent increase compared to 2019. 

At the inaugural City Briefing of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET),  over 1,200 industry executives were in attendance, representing sectors such as aviation, travel, hospitality, and retail.  The Director General of DET, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri has praised the exemplary vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for propelling Dubai to success. This can be seen in the nation’s strive towards becoming the primary economic and tourism investment hub in the world. 

Seeing a remarkable rise in the tourism industry, there has been a surge in Dubai’s hotel occupancy rate from 62 percent in 2021 to an impressive 76 percent between January and May of 2022. According to data from STR, one of the world’s leading hospitality analytics firms, this places Dubai far ahead as global No.1 for hotel occupancies when compared with international cities like New York (61%), London (60%), and Paris (57%).

Through Expo 2020, the UAE is converting this momentum into growth in all tourism aspects – from cultural heritage to culinary delights – with a determination towards making it “the most visited destination and city of the future” providing an unparalleled living and working experience.

How to Start

To encourage more travelers, the UAE government has eased restrictions attracting more people, and making UAE an investment-worthy and tourist-friendly destination. As a significant economic driver, tourism is expected to reach US$1,285.00 million in 2023.

With the numerous advantages and licensing options of doing business in the UAE, especially Dubai, there’s no better time to start a Travel and Tourism company. Let’s get to know more about the license options and how you can get started now.

What You Need to Know?

approved license
What is a Tourism License?

A Tourism License is needed for business establishments that operate in the travel and tourism sector to provide services to travelers and locals.

The types of Tourism licenses have their own features and certain activities are subject to approval.

Inbound Tour Operator License

●  This license allows agencies to handle inland travel, visa issuance, events, and transportation for nationals and foreigners who are visiting Dubai or any other emirate.

Outbound Tour Operator License

●  This license allows agencies to sell travel and tourism packages outside UAE through online platforms, e-commerce, offline agents, and many more.

Travel Agent License

●  This license allows agencies to act as a seller for tickets and booking-related services such as transportation rental services and ticket issuance for flights, buses, trains, hotels, and holiday packages on behalf of other agents.

Tour Guide License

●  This license allows tour guides to have access to tourist attractions and should be knowledgeable of the historical and cultural significance of the local places.

Who can benefit from Tourism License?

  • Travel firms

  • Travel agents

  • Hotels

  • Restaurants

  • Airbnb

  • Holiday homes

  • Car rentals

  • Hospitality outlets

  • Other tourism-related entities
illustration of a tour operator
bus luggages
What can you do?

  • Selling tourism packages online and offline

  • Issuing travel insurance

  • Providing accommodation and stay options

  • Offering support services related to visa issuance

  • Selling flight, rail, and bus tickets

  • Providing car rental services

  • Offering adventure tour packages
What activities are allowed?

  • Tour operator activities

  • Tourism agency

  • Business and corporate tourism

  • Inbound and outbound excursions

  • Residential premises rental

  • Tourism consultancy

Guided tour
What are the requirements?

  •  Completed Application Form

  • Applicant’s valid passport copy

  • Applicant’s valid visa copy

  • Latest UAE entry stamp from the passport

     

  • Emirates ID Copy (if applicable)

  • Passport size photo

  • Proof of work qualifications of manager/s

  • Certificate of good conduct of the owner/s

What are the steps and procedures?

  1.  Choose your License Jurisdiction: Mainland or Free Zone

  2. Define your business activity

  3. Company Name Reservation

  4. Get the Initial approval

  1. Memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing

  2. Finalize business address

  3. Submission of all the above approvals

  4. Issuance of trade license

How can EZONE help you?

At EZONE, we make setting up your new tourism business a hassle-free experience by calling on the expertise of our team. With our proven track record and personalized services, you can be sure that every detail is taken care of so that you’ll be ready to welcome travelers in no time.

 We have the skill and knowledge to streamline the entire process – from obtaining a license to ensuring full legal compliance – for you. Contact 800-EZONEUAE or email setup@e.zone and start your Tourism business today.