Russian Golf Federation to offer Dubai packages in 2003

"The department has been actively promoting to the Russian market and RUGSA's decision to offer Dubai packages in 2003 will fit in neatly with our drive to target visitors from the high yield segment of the Russian outbound travel market," said DTCM Manager Missions, Hamad bin Mejren.

Mr. bin Mejren noted that Dubai's hotel establishments received over 183,000 Russian guests last year and this number is bound to grow further with RUSGA offering Dubai packages in 2003.

The official from RUSGA was accompanied by a representative from Golf Style - a bilingual (Russian/English) fashion and lifestyle magazine - published by the federation has a circulation of 15,000 copies.

"We are confident of targeting the high end Russian golfers because in Russia the season for playing golf is short whereas Dubai offers year round sunshine," remarked Mr. bin Mejren.

He added: "Some of the most successful Russian entrepreneurs and professionals are known to enjoy golf and are members of RUGSA and a Dubai golf package would appeal to them."

The visiting team received a comprehensive presentation on the destination and its attractions including a brief on the department's role in promoting Dubai worldwide as well as recent initiatives undertaken by the DTCM to promote the destination in the Russian market.

An extensive itinerary covering Dubai's attractions as well as meetings with key public and private sector officials was planned for the visiting team.

Dubai is the pioneer of golf in the Middle East. The emirate is famous the world over as the host venue for the Desert Classic, a major event on the European PGA tour.

In the past the Desert Classic, has featured leading golfers including American phenomenon Tiger Woods, Australian 'Shark' Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer of Germany, Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, Japanese powerhouse Tsukasa Watanabe and the young South African Ernie Els to name a few.

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