The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled 70 finalists for the inaugural Visitor Experience Awards, selected from around 350 applications across eight categories. This initiative aims to honor organizations and individuals who exemplify exceptional service and hospitality in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.
The shortlisted finalists represent a diverse array of sectors within Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem, including events, aviation, hospitality, restaurants, museums, cultural sites, shopping malls, and tour operators. The awards are divided into two main streams: Business Awards and Frontliner Awards.
Categories and Recognition
The Business Awards feature categories such as Most Innovative Visitor Experience, Best Emirati Cultural Experience, Leader in Inclusive Experience, and the Business Resilience Award. Meanwhile, the Frontliner Awards include Visitor Experience Superstar, Unsung Hero Award, Connectivity Champion Award, and Outstanding Tour Guide Award.
This initiative not only recognizes excellence but also fosters a collaborative environment among various stakeholders in the tourism sector, reinforcing a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences throughout the visitor journey in the emirate.
Jury Assessment Process
The finalists will undergo a rigorous assessment by a jury panel composed of 30 senior leaders and experts from both public and private sectors. These jury members bring extensive knowledge in visitor experience, tourism, hospitality, and culture, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each entry.
Each application was initially reviewed against established criteria before the finalists were determined. In the next phase, at least three jury members will evaluate the shortlisted entries in each category, leading to the selection of 24 winners across the eight categories, with first, second, and third places recognized in each.
A Celebration of Excellence
The winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year, which will be attended by key figures from the tourism sector. DCT Abu Dhabi’s Visitor Experience (VX) function oversees the awards as part of a broader program aimed at enhancing the quality of the visitor journey and embedding a culture of excellence across the tourism ecosystem.
According to DCT Abu Dhabi, this initiative is a significant step towards recognizing and promoting the high standards of service that define Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape.
