Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing has refuted media reports that approximately 30 percent of workers in the UAE’s hospitality industry are likely to lose their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Citing statistics from research firm STR Global, Bloomberg reported that 43,000 hotel rooms – approximately a third of the emirate’s total room keys – will remain closed until September.
In an interview with Bloomberg, STR’s Middle East and Africa director, Philip Wooller, said that he estimates that 40,000 people are employed in the hospitality industry, of whom he believes that one-third will lose their jobs.
Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing, however, refuted the claims through Dubai Media Office.
“Contrary to Bloomberg’s assertion, Dubai’s hospitality businesses are resuming operations based on issued government reopening guidelines during this pandemic,” a Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing spokesperson : “Contrary to Bloomberg's assertions, Dubai’s Hospitality businesses are resuming operations based on issued government reopening guidelines during this pandemic.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 20, 2020
“Dubai’s hotel sector is healthy and this prudent approach prepares the industry for an even stronger resurgence post Covid,” the spokesperson added.
“Guided by the expert advice of our team of advisors, we have been gradually restarted various economic sectors and services to ensure continued economic resilience.”
#Dubai's Hotel sector is healthy&this prudent approach prepares the industry for an even stronger resurgence post Covid.Guided by the expert advise of our team of advisors,we have been gradually restarting various economic sectors&services to ensure continued economic resilience.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 20, 2020
Tourism contributed 11.5 percent to Dubai’s economic output in 2019 as 16.7 million tourists visited the city, according to government statistics.
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