
Industry-first travel content creator college launches in Dubai
The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), in partnership with Beautiful Destinations, has launched the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai - a pioneering professional development initiative aimed at setting new, global benchmarks for travel content creation and meeting the rising demand for skilled marketing talent within the tourism sector.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), said: 'The launch of this innovative programme with Beautiful Destinations is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the tourism sector. By providing a dedicated space for content creators, we aim to amplify Dubai's global appeal and further solidify our position as the best city to visit, live, and work in.
'This aligns perfectly with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and our vision to make Dubai a leading global city for business and leisure. Thanks to a diverse range of offerings and experiences, Dubai provides an unrivalled platform for capturing creative, engaging content, and we look forward to working with Beautiful Destinations and content creators from around the world to amplify their storytelling globally.'
'Dubai is a leading innovator in tourism marketing – a likeminded partner that shares our future-focussed vision' commented Jeremy Jauncey, CEO and Founder, Beautiful Destinations.
"The travel industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in how destinations attract visitors. Leading research shows that 76% of travel decisions are now influenced by social media content, yet only 24% of tourism and hospitality brands have in-house teams capable of creating the calibre of content that drives engagement. The Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai directly addresses this gap by cultivating a new generation of specialised talent."
With digital content now central to travel decision-making, the Beautiful Destinations Academy addresses the sector's strong demand for the specialist skills needed to create high-impact, platform-native content required to influence today's travellers.
The partnership strengthens Dubai's position as a global hub for the growing creator economy, which, according to Goldman Sachs could approach half-a-trillion dollars by 2027 , and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which is cementing Dubai's status as the world's best city to visit, live, and work in.
The Beautiful Destinations Academy in Dubai will set a new global benchmark for quality in travel content creation. By introducing formal standards tailored to digital creators working within the tourism sector, it brings structure, credibility and accountability to a previously informal field of work.
The curriculum is designed to develop both creative and commercial skills combining technical proficiency with marketing principles.
The Academy represents a significant innovation in the business model of tourism marketing, helping future-proof the industry by fostering a community of specialist and highly-skilled digital talent. It offers destinations and hospitality brands access to a curated network of certified creators while building a sustainable and scalable pipeline of professionals with the digital skills required to meet the sector's evolving demands.
A key priority of the programme is nurturing diverse talent from all markets, helping to ensure that tourism marketing reflects a broader spectrum of perspectives and aesthetic approaches.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Insider
30-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Real Estate Prices Likely To Face Double-Digit Fall After Years Of Boom, Fitch Says
Dubai's real estate market prices are likely to face a double-double-digit fall in the second half of the year and in 2026, ratings agency Fitch said in a report on Thursday, marking a sharp turn after years of a post-pandemic boom. A spike in deliveries in 2025 and 2026 to a planned 210,000 units, doubling from the previous three years, is likely to cause a record increase in supply and push prices down by no more than 15%, the agency said. The possible drop would follow a rise of around 60% in residential units prices between 2022 and the first quarter of this year in Dubai, where massive infrastructure spending, generous income tax policies and relaxed social and visa rules lured thousands of foreigners after the COVID-19 pandemic, including Russians amid war in Ukraine. Real estate plays a vital role for the economy of the emirate, the Gulf's hub for business and tourism, with sector transactions worth 761 billion dirhams ($207.22 billion) last year, rising 36% in volume, according to Dubai government data. In the past, Dubai suffered painful corrections akin to the property crash in 2009 which required a $20 billion Abu Dhabi-led bailout. The government has since taken measures to deleverage and strengthen the sector, and consolidated major state-owned real estate developers. It has also pursued an economic reboot anchored in what it hopes is sustainable growth, including a 10-year plan known as D33, to double output and become one of the world's top four financial centres. Fitch said on Thursday that banks and homebuilders can tolerate a decrease in prices. It noted that while real estate remains the largest component in UAE banks' lending books, banking sector exposure to firms operating in real estate had dropped to 14% of total gross loans at end of last year from 20% three years earlier. The attractiveness of properties in prime locations, which include palm tree-shaped artificial island Palm Jumeirah, together with delays in project completion would also help mitigate pricing pressure.


Gulf Insider
07-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Premier Padel P1 Sets UAE Record
Dubai Premier Padel P1 is back from November 9th to 16th at Hamdan Sports Complex after an impressive 2024 inaugural that garnered 24,000 spectators. Early bird tickets to the second edition are now on sale. In light of rising public interest and the sport's quick growth, organisers Gallop Global announced the relocation of the tournament from the 5,000-capacity Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium to the Hamdan Sports Complex, which accommodates up to fifteen thousand attendees. With a total area of 24 hectares, it is currently the biggest indoor sports complex in the Middle East, alongside one of the biggest facility will comprise four match courts and two practice courts. Setting a new record for indoor padel capacity in the UAE. The centre court can hold more than 7,000 spectators. With free admission to all other courts for centre court ticket holders, the venue offers an improved experience and is climate-controlled and fan-accessible. Tickets are now available through with general admission starting at AED36. Reiterating the tournament's position on the regional athletic calendar, the prize budget has increased from AED1.96 million to AED1.98 million. Top professionals from around the world are anticipated to be included in the 240-player draw, including current world no.1 womens pair Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria and mens duo Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia. 'The launch of the Dubai Premier Padel P1 in 2024 was a historic milestone for the sport, which has rapidly grown in popularity in the UAE. We eagerly anticipate the second edition coming to the emirate in November, and from the UAEPA we are proud to support the biggest tournament in our country,' said Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA). Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, also commented, 'The return of Dubai Premier Padel P1 underscores the sport's growing prominence in the region and worldwide. We look forward to welcoming even more spectators in what is certain to be a vibrant atmosphere at Hamdan Sports Complex.' The event is the first official padel tournament to be conducted in the Hamdan Sports Complex, which has hosted tournaments for basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and water polo. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'Hosting major sporting events like Dubai Premier Padel P1 significantly boosts Dubai's economy and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The move to a world-class venue will further elevate the experience for athletes and spectators alike.' Ivan Modia, Tournament Director and CEO of Gallop Global, added: 'Padel is a global phenomenon. After a strong first edition and with continued support from our partners and leadership, we are confident of delivering a landmark second edition in the largest padel court ever built in the country.' Founded in 2014, the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), one of Asia's first federations, governs padel in the UAE. In that same year, padel was officially recognised as an official sport by the General Authority of Sports, which also promised full government backing. Two years later, UAEPA became a member of the International Padel Federation (FIP). Today, there are about 1,000 padel courts in the UAE, which accounts for 30 per cent of all padel courts in Asia and two per cent worldwide. During the week-long championships, padel fans will have access to off-court activities in addition to top-tier events. Also read: Emirates to Launch Dubai to Hangzhou Flights as It Boosts China Flights to 49 Per Week


Trade Arabia
29-04-2025
- Trade Arabia
Russians, Gulf nationals lead tourist spending in Dubai
Dubai's tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with visitors from the Russian Federation and Gulf countries demonstrating the highest spending, closely followed by tourists from select European nations, reported WAM. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, announced during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai that the city welcomed approximately 18.73 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase year-over-year. This growth continued into the first quarter of this year with a 3% rise compared to the same period last year. Kazim emphasised that this strong performance reflects ongoing efforts to attract diverse global markets, focusing on enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging repeat visits. He further noted Dubai's active exploration of new market opportunities through dedicated committees. Promotional campaigns are strategically tailored to different seasons and target demographics, such as families during school holidays or travellers during off-peak periods. He also highlighted the positive impact of regional tourism market developments on Dubai's growth, noting that Dubai's current priority is not only increasing visitor numbers but also enhancing service quality to foster repeat tourism.