In conjunction with Emirates Dubai’s tourism body, has launched a new agent advocacy program acknowledging the role consultants play in selling the destination.
“The Dubai Advocacy Programme is more than a recognition scheme, it’s about partnership, growth and shared ambition in a community of trusted voices,” says Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism regional director Shahab Shayan. “Australian and New Zealand agents have long played a pivotal role in shaping how travellers perceive Dubai and inspiring them to choose Dubai, whether for a stopover or a dedicated holiday.” The new program, adds Shayan, formalises that partnership, providing its most committed sellers with the recognition, resources and rewards, while ensuring their clients receive the latest expertise on our ‘ever-evolving destination’.
. . . Three Tiers
Participation in the new program, developed in conjunction with local Dubai Tourism rep Julie King and Associates, is open to travel professionals who are Dubai Expert-certified and have visited Dubai. There are three tiers in the program, Advocate, Certified Ambassador, and Destination Champion reflecting the differing levels of industry experience, sales, Dubai expertise and advocacy commitment.
. . . Sales-based
Advocates must pro-actively train agents within their networks and attain EK and Dubai sales targets. They also need to encourage other agents to join Dubai Expert and the advocacy program, to speak in Dubai training events as required and share program assets to build knowledge, while reporting on their output.
. . . The Reward
While the criteria may sound strict, the Dubai advocates will get access to a range of rewards, such as priority invites to famils and top achiever trips, preferential rates for personal accommodation and Dubai experiences, access to VIP events and product launches, and invites to hosted EK/DET sponsorship and VIP events in New Zealand and/or Dubai. They will also get peer recognition within the trade and be eligible for performance-based incentives. Qualified agents can register interest for the new program by e-mailing HERE. Successful applicants will be notified by mid Sep.
Agents can register for the Dubai Expert training HERE.
