Tourism projects worth over Dhs700bn to be showcased at inaugural TDIM

Addressing a pre-event press conference at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Theux said the tourism industry's excellent response to the newly conceived exhibition pointed to the tremendous potential that the sector holds out for further investment and development. The exhibition, to be held from January 20 to 22, will occupy 19,000 square metres at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Zabeel Hall & Hall 1.

TDIM 08 is the first-ever show dedicated to developments and investments in the tourism sector and is organized by Reed Exhibitions Middle East. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and DTCM (the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai) are supporters of the show. TDIM sponsors include Nakheel, Dubai World Central (DWC), Falcon City of Wonders, DUBAILAND™ Destination and Emirates Airlines.

Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM, said:

"TDIM provides an opportunity to address the challenges of boosting investment flows and know-how into the region's tourism sector. As the principal authority for the planning, supervision and development of the tourism sector in Dubai, the DTCM seeks to bring about continuous improvements in our promotion efforts and standards of hospitality. Tourism contributes 30% to Dubai's economy and will play a major role in the emirate's target of tripling its gross domestic product (GDP) to $112bn by 2015. Dubai's hotels and apartment hotels last year received about 6.5 million visitors that contributed $3.5bn to the emirate's economy."

The list of participants at the exhibition is led by DTCM (Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing), Nakheel, DWC (Dubai World Central), DUBAILAND Destination, Global Village, BAWADI, Plantation, Universal Studios DUBAILAND, Falcon City of Wonders, Aldar, Sorouh, Al Qudra, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Tamouh, Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, B&G Hotels & Resorts from Egypt, Travellers, Group RCI, Marina D'or from Spain and Jack Rouse & Associate from the US, among other participants.

Visitors to the inaugural edition of TDIM will include top tourism officials, investors, tourism facility operators, global destination brands, world tourism associations and specialists with interest in taking active part in participating in the development of the MENA region's tourism sector that has received Dhs1.2 trillion in investment commitments so far, Theux said.

Over 4500 visitors from the following countries have pre-registered to attend TDIM 08: Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, Qatar, Yemen, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Nigeria, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, the US and Argentina.

"TDIM will provide visitors a preview of major, upcoming tourism projects in the region, while drawing attention to key industry issues via the specialist seminars that will be addressed by top speakers. In addition, leading exhibitors will also address 'show-case' seminars at the show to inform and involve global tourism destination brand operators and big-ticket investors who are expected to attend the event", he added.

Theux also stated that Reed's research had shown that there is growing international interest in the region's tourism market over the last few years and the sector is likely to grow phenomenally over the coming years. Quoting from a Reed market survey conducted in 2006, Theux said that estimated investments of more than Dhs1.2 trillion have already been committed to tourism-related projects in the GCC that are expected to be completed by 2018.

"The sector however needs more investment, expertise and resources to be channelled on an ongoing basis in order for the region's tourism potential to effectively leveraged. TDIM has been conceived as an annual platform for local and international investors and key stakeholders from tourism and associated industries to meet, discuss and build new partnerships that will facilitate knowledge-sharing, networking and investments," he said.

In an effort to provide global investors with opportunities to evaluate potential investment prospects in the region's tourism projects sector, Reed has also introduced an innovative initiative branded HICE (Hosted Investors & Corporate End-Users) at TDIM.

"HICE provides a networking platform for TDIM exhibitors and senior decision-makers from global tourism project development companies, major banks, investment houses and tourism franchisee owners who will be hosted guests at the event. Top-end investors have the opportunity to come face to face with leading industry players and gain first-hand knowledge about the sector and projects. The exhibitors will have the rare opportunity to promote their projects directly to investors. The programme was conceived to facilitate direct contacts between high-end global investors and potential tourism sector projects as Reed's market study pointed to the need for such a platform", said Ara Fernezian, Show Manager, TDIM 08.

TDIM's extensive seminar programme will feature leading international and local speakers including Jean Claude Baumgarten - President, World Travel & Tourism Council and Saleh Al Geziri - Director of Overseas promotion at Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Government of Dubai, both of whom will address keynote sessions, Charlie Bray - CEO, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Darrell Metzger - CEO Ruwaad, and the IAAPA Vice Chairman, Nick Turner - Regional Managing Director, Group RCI, Keith James - President and Partner, Jack Rouse Associates and Alistair Gosling - CEO of Extreme Group, UK. 'Showcase seminars' will be presented by representatives from Nakheel, Dubailand, DWC, Falcon City of Wonders, Al Qudra, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Tamouh, Hydra Properties, Aldar, Sorouh, Al Hanoo Holding and B&G resorts.

The specialist seminars will run between 2 pm and 6 pm on the 20th of January. Showcase seminars will take place between 11 am and 4 pm on the 21st and the 22nd. The TDIM exhibition will be held in Hall 1 and Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre. Exhibition timings are 10 AM to 6 PM, 20th to 22nd January, 2008.