DTCM Launches tourism portal definitelydubai.com

DTCM Director General Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, who accompanied H.H Sheikh Ahmed during the Dubai Stand tour and during the campaign launch, said:

"I am pleased to say that our Definitely Dubai portal is perhaps the first of its kind globally to deploy several unique features including a fully-immersive and navigable interactive video. This is just the start of what's to come online to help renew the vision and promise of Dubai."

A special committee within DTCM was set up to spearhead a series of innovative initiatives. The first manifestation of this strategy has been the conception and launch of the uniquely branded official tourism portal of Dubai - www.definitelydubai.com

"The campaign 'Definitely Dubai' has been very well received by industry insiders and trade partners alike," said Mr. Ibrahim Yaqoot, DTCM Executive Director of Human Resources and Training Solutions and Chairman of the committee, during a series of presentations on the first day of the ATM at the DTCM Stand. He restated the objective to empower DTCM representatives globally with a host of engaging tools including a consumer-centric online presence launched at the event.

The website has been designed to cater to three distinctly different audiences: tourists, business travelers and residents. This is in line with DTCM's vision to become a one-stop-information-centre for visitors and residents alike.

The strategic direction behind creating the Definitely Dubai portal was based on the need to distinguish between a government entity and consumer brand, and to be firmly anchored around the tourism value chain.

The committee consisting of Ibrahim Yaqoot, DTCM Executive Director of Human Resources and Training Solutions, Satish Bhaskaran, DTCM Executive Director of Administration, Suhail Buhelaiba, DTCM Director of Information Technology, Shafeeq Hamza (DTCM IT) and Samy AbdelFattah Taha (DTCM Human Resources and Training Solutions) has partnered with award-winning digital brand boutique Xische Studios and Market Gurus to conceive the memorable online brand and experience Definitely Dubai.

The online visual identity reflects Dubai's endless attractions, but firmly rooted in its centuries-old tradition of Arabian hospitality. Dubai is unique in the way it blends the duality of tradition and modernity -- a key factor in conceiving the visual style and functionality of the portal.

Suhail Buhelaiba, DTCM Director Information Technology, explained: "DefinitelyDubai.com embraces Web 2.0 technologies and intends to deploy social media as an integral tool to connect with visitors in its upcoming phases. One of the highlights is an "Interactive Video Journey" that allows users to indulge and actively engage in the many experiences offered by Dubai all within the web browser."

The launch is the first phase of several major milestones scheduled to unveil over the ensuing months. Some of the features include contemporary recommendation-marketing techniques such as connectivity with social media, ratings, reviews, comments, and advanced transactional ability straight off the website.

In order to empower each of the DTCM's Overseas Representative Offices with a consistent brand experience online, the committee has planned individual localized versions of the Definitely Dubai portal, making it possible to convey audience-relevant information, incentives and promotions.

The website is live on www.definitelydubai.com

Measuring 1152 square metres and featuring 74 booths and 132 co-participants from the public and private sectors, the Dubai Stand has been put up by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at the four-day fair.

DTCM has remained a big participant since the past 15 years at the ATM which is being attended by over 2,100 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries, including 70 new-to-market representatives.

Dubai Stand (UAE 2500) is located in Hall 3 of DICEC. The first three days are exclusively for the travel and tourism industry professionals, while the concluding day has been reserved for the general public, according to the ATM organisers, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The world's third biggest travel and tourism fair is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the auspices of the DTCM.

Dubai Stand has been made appealing to the visitors through a variety of attractions, including an Arabic Calligraphy Art Gallery and photo galleries on Events in Dubai and Old and New Dubai. A separate section features the international awards that DTCM won in 2008 and 2009.

A Heritage Corner is another highlight at the Dubai Stand, which is expected to remain a big draw for nearly 20,000 trade visitors and consumers projected to be attending this year's event. Representatives from each of the DTCM's 18 Overseas Representation Offices are also on hand to support the Dubai co-participants on the matters pertaining to their respective markets.

The department has published a booklet offering details about its co-participants and contact details. The IT department of DTCM is showcasing the online services provided to the industry, while the Events organized in Dubai is being highlighted by DTCM Events.

DTCM's Business Development is promoting Go Green Dubai Tourism initiative. Dubai Convention Bureau is promoting the emirate's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and DTCM's One Stop Information Centre (OSIC) is on hand to explain its services rendered to the industry and general public.