Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the launch of a blockchain-based marketplace connecting potential buyers directly to hotels and tour operators.

Dubbed “Tourism 2.0,” the initiative is the department’s contribution to Dubai 10X – an initiative to place Dubai Government entities 10 years ahead of all global cities, across various sectors. It will advance DTCM’s mission to establish Dubai as the leading destination for global travel, business, and events by 2020.

His Excellency Dr. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of DTCM, emphasized on the DTCM’s commitment to adopt emerging technologies such as blockchain to enhance the tourism sector, based on the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“By increasing the pace of digital transformation in the travel sector, Dubai is positioned to expand tourism by bringing innovative start-ups into the ecosystem, which will ultimately deliver value in terms of higher and faster visitor conversion, and greater GDP impact.” He further said, "As the pioneer in adopting the most secure and transparent virtualisation technology in the tourism sector, we will be able to streamline booking processes and create democracy in travel for all.”

The blockchain-based marketplace will allow hotels and tour operators to connect directly. By accessing hotel occupancy and room rates, operators would be able to communicate offers and availability more effectively to their customers. For customers’ part, the platform will enable them to design personalised travel experiences in Dubai.

Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020 seeks to welcome 20 million visitors per year by the year 2020. In 2017, it welcomed 15.79 million visitors, a growth of 6.2 % over the previous year. Tourism 2.0 will help bring Dubai closer to achieving the Vision 2020 goal.