DTCM to launch 'Kids Go Free' promotion to boost Dubai tourism industry

This was announced by the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, at the Professional Group Joint Meeting held at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

Also present were senior DTCM officials and representatives from the Dubai Shopping Festival/Dubai Summer Surprises Office, Emaar Malls Group, Dubai Health Authority, Department of Naturalisation and Residency, Hotel and Hotel Apartment Group and Travel and Tourism Group.

Mr. bin Sulayem said the new promotion has the support of more than 70 hotels and hotel apartments and was open to visitors from all countries.

A comprehensive media campaign for the new promotion would be taken up, especially in Dubai's strong source markets of the UK, Germany, India, Russia, China, Japan and GCC states.

He said the new promotion is a continuation of the efforts that has helped boost up hotel occupancy levels in the first quarter of 2009 and continues to play a major role in attracting more visitors to Dubai since the start of this year.

Dubai hotels reported a five per cent increase in guests' numbers in the first quarter of 2009.

The major highlights of the new promotion are three nights free accommodation for one child under 16 years age accompanied by two paying parents, complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner for one child under 16 years age at selected outlets, free entry one child under 16 years age for every two paying parents to Sega Republic, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall and Montogomerie Golf Club.

At the Atlantis The Palm, a free entry for one child under 16 years age along with one paying adult to Aqua Venture, Lost Chamber and Dolphin Bay. Upon presenting the entrance ticket, one child can eat free in any of Atlantis restaurants when dining with adult.

Mr. bin Sulayem thanked the government and private sector organizations for extending their support and cooperation to the department in promoting and marketing Dubai to shore up business for the emirate's expanding tourism industry.

The department, he said, has taken up several promotional and marketing initiatives to boost tourism industry in the emirate against the backdrop of an economically-challenging environment in many parts of the world.

At the meeting, representatives of Emaar Malls Group gave a presentation on its projects, while Dubai Health Authority (DHA) utilized the opportunity to reach out the gathering with information about its initiatives on Swine Flu management in the UAE.

DSS representatives offered insights into the progress of the summer shopping and entertainment extravaganza currently underway in the emirate. DNRD team highlighted about the Iris scanning at the Dubai International Airport.

DTCM officials briefed the meeting about the aims and activities of the One Stop Information Centre, especially the advantages and benefits it offers to the tourism industry.