Dubai 2003 a major boost to the UAE Tourism Industry, says Ibrahim Belselah

Mr. Belselah outlined the positive impact that hosting the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund would have on tourism in a presentation to the officials from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

"This is one of the biggest global events and represents a world class opportunity for the UAE and Dubai to showcase itself to the world and directly to representatives from 184 different countries. Our vibrant and dynamic tourism industry is one area that can benefit in the short and long term," explained Mr. Belselah.

"In the short term we estimate the hotel and hospitality industry will benefit from $45 million spent by participants during the meetings. In the longer term we have the chance to showcase our great country as a tourism destination to our guests and encourage them to visit us again in the future," he added.

He stressed that the DTCM has an important role to play in helping the participants to the Annual Meetings to experience the rich culture of the city and its massive range of attractions during their stay.

Mr. Belselah also applauded DTCM for the creation of their "Forever Dubai" initiative that has been created to give participants at the Annual Meetings the chance to experience Dubai's social, economic and architectural legacy at first hand through a number of cultural and leisure initiatives.

"In recent years Dubai has become one of the fastest growing international tourism destinations in the world. Dubai 2003 gives us the opportunity to further accelerate that growth and broaden awareness of the fantastic new leisure developments here including Palm Island, Madinat Jumeirah, The World and the recent announcement of the world's first underwater hotel," added Mr. Belselah.

After his presentation the General Coordinator addressed a number of questions and issues about the Annual Meetings including traffic, logistics and specific tourism matters.

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. The UAE and Dubai were selected because of their highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.