Tourism License in Dubai
Dubai is a major tourist destination for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and year-round sun. Nearly 23.7 million travelers visited Dubai in 2022, an increase of 89 percent from 2021, as the city’s tourist and economic powerhouse continues to profit from the relaxation of pandemic restrictions that have sparked travel demand.
Entrepreneurs or foreign investors looking to invest in Dubai can find tourism to be a profitable industry. Here we unfold how you can get a tourism license in Dubai.
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) issued the license.
The tourism license is increasingly becoming high in demand, especially since Dubai has seen a boom in tourists after the relaxation of COVID-19 rules.
Tourism licenses offer various options and with so much to choose from, it can be easy to get lost.
With Business Link, you can rest assured that our professional business consultants will guide you through the process of obtaining a tourism license in Dubai.
Types of Tourism Licenses:
Tourism licenses in Dubai have been divided into 4 major categories. Each of them with its own provisions and relevant activities.
- Inbound Tour License
The inbound tour license permits you to do business only within Dubai. This type of license has the approval to carry out tours and trips with tourists, provided they have adequate insurance to protect themselves and the tour providers.
- Outbound Tour License
Service providers can use the outbound tour license to organize trips both within and outside Dubai. Outbound license have the advantage of organizing trips internationally.
- Travel Agent License
Businesses under this type of license can involve themselves in activities such as selling tickets, hotel and resort reservations, and organizing bus and car rental services, among others.
- Tour Guide License
A tour guide in Dubai is required to have in-depth knowledge of the city, tourist spots, culture, and places of common interest.
To obtain this license type, you’re required to take an exam. This license is valid for one year, after which you must take a refresher course to renew it.
The DTCM issues the license or badge, and as a tour guide, you must have a valid license to protect yourself from any penalties.
Are you looking to obtain one of the above-mentioned license types?
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Activities:
Since a wide variety of activities fall under this license, experts at Business Link can assist entrepreneurs and foreign investors in understanding the possible activities one can carry out under this license.
- Tourist Visa Services
- Issuing Travel Insurance
- Booking Accommodation: Hotels and Resorts
- Selling Tickets: Flights, buses, etc.
- Car and Bus Rental Services
- Providing Tourism Packages
Perks of Getting A Tourism License:
With accelerating demand in international travel, there is no better time to invest in a tourism business setup in Dubai.
Check out the benefits:
- You can carry out outbound, inbound, and travel agent activities under the same license with 0 extra charges.
- You can carry out a range of activities – provided they are relevant to the travel industry.
- Under plenty of circumstances, tourism businesses in the UAE can enjoy tax-free incentives.
Obtaining A Tourism License? It's This Simple!
The process of obtaining a tourism license is straightforward and with newer provisions, the DTCM has made the process even easier.
The following are the documents needed to apply for a license:
- Application Form
- Passport Copies of the Applicant
- Clean criminal record of the Applicant/owner and manager of the new business
- Economic and Technical Feasibility of the business
- NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority
New Provisions
Recent announcements by the DTCM for the issuance of a tourism license in Dubai are:
- A set requirement to provide a bank guarantee between AED 100,000 - AED 200,000 has been removed. It is now simpler and affordable to set up the business.
- No minimum office space is required. Previously, it was set at 300 sq. ft.
- There is no need to submit the business manager’s documents such as educational degrees and experience letters.