In a development that is going to provide further impetus to the growth of the UAE as a burgeoning global tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) destination, du announced a partnership with Tink Labs Limited, one of Hong Kong's most successful start-ups that has revolutionized hospitality technology. The agreement was signed between du and Tink Labs on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market event with the support of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at Dubai World Trade Centre.
For the first time ever, the introduction of 'handy', the innovative in-room smartphone for hotels, will give visitors to Dubai connectivity anywhere in the UAE. To begin with, the facility will be offered through select 4 and 5 star hotels. du is committed to providing innovative products that will increase the loyalty and happiness of guests visiting the UAE.
A pilot project has already been completed in association with Fairmont The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, The Westin and Dusit Thani in Dubai with the support of DTCM.
"The UAE is a major tourist hotspot and international business destination. At du, we want to revolutionize the experience for travellers by providing them with a service and a smartphone that conveniently keeps them connected anywhere in the UAE. Our goal is to continue adding life to life for everyone in the UAE and providing innovative solutions that promote the happiness of travellers when visiting this nation and its hotels. 'Handy' is a disruptive service and first for the UAE market," said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Operations Officer, du.
"We are excited to be partnering with du to bring unparalleled connectivity to UAE travellers through "handy". We want Dubai to be the first in the world to provide our visitors with the latest means of digital communication, making it easier for them to search, communicate and share their knowledge and unique experiences in Dubai. We are confident that UAE visitors will rapidly adopt the service of this device, and it will be an important communication tool for tourist," said Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director, Development and Investments, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
"Hotel guests in Europe and across Asia have enriched their travel experience with the 'handy' in-room smartphone, while hoteliers have found a new and innovative way to engage their customers," said Terence Kwok, CEO, Tink Labs.
"We now have a tremendous opportunity to bring this superior guest experience to the UAE by partnerning with du, and helping to build on the UAE's hard-won reputation in fostering tourism."
'handy' which is available in Arabic and English - will help connect tourists with their destination through tailored city guide information, discounts and promotions and pre-installed mobile applications, while allowing them to remain in contact with their hotel at all times, all for free during their stay in Dubai.
Not only is the service beneficial for travellers, but for hotels alike. Hotels in the UAE will be able to remain in contact with guests at all times, increase guests' satisfaction and provide an integrated TripAdvisor feedback system. handy is already live in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Bangkok, London, Milano, Rome, Istanbul, Barcelona and Paris and recently launched in the GCC.
