The UAE News Report
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has shortlisted 70 finalists for its inaugural Visitor Experience Awards, following approximately 350 applications across eight categories.
The awards recognise organisations and frontline professionals across the emirate’s tourism ecosystem, including hospitality, aviation, events, cultural sites, restaurants, attractions and transport.
The finalists will now be assessed by a jury of 30 senior leaders and subject specialists from the public and private sectors.
Eight categories across two streams
The Business Awards comprise Most Innovative Visitor Experience, Best Emirati Cultural Experience, Leader in Inclusive Experience and the Business Resilience Award.
The Frontliner Awards comprise Visitor Experience Superstar, Unsung Hero Award, Connectivity Champion Award and Outstanding Tour Guide Award.
DCT Abu Dhabi said the awards are designed to recognise practices that improve service quality and deliver consistent experiences at different stages of a visitor’s journey.
The shortlisted field spans museums, cultural sites, shopping malls, mobility providers, cruise terminals, tour operators and tour guides, alongside hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses.
Jury assessment and winners
At least three jury members will assess the shortlisted entries in each category against the awards’ criteria.
The next stage will select 24 winners, with first, second and third places recognised across the eight categories. An awards ceremony is planned for later this year.
The jury brings expertise in tourism, hospitality, culture and visitor experience, including innovation, accessibility, organisational resilience and tour guiding.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s Visitor Experience function oversees the awards as part of its wider programme. Alongside the Visitor Experience Guidelines and VX Academy, the initiative aims to improve the quality and integration of visitor services across the emirate.
