Dubai, China’s Hainan Province in deal to boost tourism sector

Key political and tourism entities from the Hainan Province in China and Dubai signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) this week at the Special Symposium on Tourism Exchange and Cooperation.

The strategic agreements will support and incentivise the potentially enormous two-way tourism exchange between the Chinese province and the emirate, in addition to offering a raft of new business opportunities.

Liu Cigui, secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, chairman of the Board of Directors at Hala China, witnessed the signing.

The first MoU was a cooperation framework agreement between Hala China and the Department of Culture, Radio, Television, Publication and Sports of Hainan Province, while the second MoU was a cooperation agreement between Hainan Kangtai Travel and Hala China.

The third MOU was an investment contract worth more than Dh540 million ($146.9 million) between Hainan Health Care Group and Dubai’s Duwaya Group.

Organised and hosted by Hala China – a joint initiative between Meraas and Dubai Holding – the signing ceremony at Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai drew the participation of high-level dignitaries, including Chen Xi, director general of China’s Department of Commerce, and Tan Li, acting consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai.

Speaking at the signing, Cigui said: “The agreements we have signed are a testament to Hainan’s significance in the global tourism industry. Establishing synergies with these progressively minded partners in Dubai is an important and exciting development that drives awareness of both the Hainan Province and Dubai as some of the most dynamic and fascinating tourist destinations in the world.”

Speaking about the agreements, Li said: “This week, we witnessed yet another proof of the ever-strengthening bilateral ties between our two countries. By aligning the tourist ambitions of the Hainan Province and Dubai, we see how working together continues to offer promising opportunities for us both, while keeping the interests of the citizens that will benefit most from these memorandums at the core of our thinking at all times.”

Al Mualla said: “These agreements will have a significant impact on Dubai’s push to diversify its economy. In line with the pioneering vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, what we offer the global travellers of today is a hub of tourism activities and experiences that is unique and unrivalled. Joining forces with the Hainan Province will strengthen our offering while giving back to our residents and visitors.”

The Hainan Province is one of the top tourist destinations in China. In 2018, it attracted more than 76 million overnight international and domestic visitors.

It is estimated that more than 270,000 Chinese expats living in the UAE. From January to November 2018, the number of transit tourists visiting Dubai reached nearly 800,000, a year-on-year increase of 12 per cent. The inaugural Chinese New Year celebrations at City Walk in February 2018 attracted more than 22,000 Chinese and other visitors. This year, that number is expected to rise even further with the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism confirming an active participation. The Grand Parade at City Walk alone attracted more than 30,000 people.
 
China is Dubai’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year. In 2019, the UAE and China have entered their 35th year of diplomatic relations. The 2018 visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping and vice president Wang Qishan to the UAE strengthened the relations between the two countries. - TradeArabia News Service