VisitBritain recently hosted an informal lunch for the UAE Travel Agents as part of efforts to strengthen ties and to introduce its newest member, Mark Grossfield, who joined in June as B2B Manager- Middle East.

The UK continues to remain a popular holiday destination for visitors from the UAE, with a total of 77,000 visitors coming in from the Emirates during the first three months of 2016 - a 15 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2015.

Travel expenditure of UAE visitors also increased, totalling GBP105 million ($139 million) - up 9 per cent from 2015.

The surge in visitors from the Gulf can be attributed to the UK’s electronic visa waiver (EVW) scheme, which received more than 63,000 applications in the last year.

The EVW scheme has grown in popularity since it was introduced in 2014. EVWs are completed online, 48 hours before departure and are valid for a single entry into the UK. UAE nationals can apply for a new EVW each time and there is no limit on the number of times the system can be used.

The revised system also features questions in both English and Arabic, making it easier for users in the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service