DTCM co-participants happy with the overwhelming response at WTM 2003

The four-day global travel fair ended in London on Thursday (November 13) after witnessing the participation of over 5,000 companies and organizations and close to 50,000 visitors from 190 countries.

The biggest-ever Dubai stand in the 24 years of WTM history was the centre of attraction and representatives of the co-participants have handled a variety of enquiries of hundreds of visitors about different facets of Dubai, the latest developmental projects, investment opportunities, and the world-class facilities and services available to the tourists, both business and leisure.

Dubai's 425 square meter stand featured 54 booths of organizations, ranging from hotels to tour operators.

DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, said: "The response that Dubai co-participants got was beyond their expectations and helped in creating further confidence and interest in Dubai among the global travel industry professionals. Our participation in the WTM for the 14th consecutive year is expected to create further growth opportunities. Dubai is the focus of travel industry as it is a safe and perfect round-the-year destination."

One of the world's annual biggest gatherings of decision-makers of the travel industry has witnessed the DTCM showcasing the emirate's tourism attractions and ambitious investment and development projects to the travel trade professionals and visitors from across the five continents.

The increase in the number of co-participants and the huge size of the stand reflects the importance that DTCM and the co-participants accords to WTM. The number of co-participants this year went up by 10 compared with the previous year, while the stand size grew by 101 square meters.

Dubai has been enjoying great interest among the visitors at this exhibition right from the very first year of its participation, but the WTM-2003 was utilized to raise the level of awareness and networking with the travel industry.

DTCM officials said the co-participants were able to make new contacts and network with industry leaders and visitors from other parts of the world.

They were able to market the investment and growth opportunities in the fast-developing emirate in addition to discuss upcoming projects, develop new business and make new deals and contracts.

The WTM 2003 offered the Dubai participants a perfect opportunity to offer information about the exciting and dynamic emirate and its fast-developing tourism infrastructure: new hotels, fascinating attractions and sites; programs offered by tour operators, ground handlers and incentive and conference organizers.

Kumar Shetty of Ramee Group of Hotels, first-time participant in WTM, said: "We expected the WTM to be productive for our business and it has been so. We searched and forged new relationships with the travel companies from the Middle East and Europe. We intend to open a representation office in London for out hotels in Dubai and Bahrain and increase our share in conference business."

G. Rotolo of Novotel/Ibis World Trade Centre Hotel, another first-time participant at the WTM, said the global fair provided the opportunity to network with the industry players and expose the property to the UK market.

The WTM-2003 was utilized by The Big Bus Company, another first-timer, to re-launch the project and explore business development opportunities in addition to creating awareness at its well-established UK market.

Olivier Louis, General Manager of One and Only Royal Mirage, said: "We welcomed familiar and new faces at World Travel Market-2003. We held discussions on Dubai's tourism industry and its diverse and attractive infrastructure and services. We strengthened our relationship with key operators and discussed travel trends and growth opportunities. The share of UK in our total business has more than doubled in three years."

Anna Popora, Marketing Coordinator, Wafi Health and Leisure, and Daniella Russell, Director, Health and Leisure, Wafi Health and Leisure, said the WTM-2003 was utilized to generate an even stronger awareness for their company and meet new customers for spa and leisure business.

Salah El Khayat, Executive Director, Danat Dubai Cruises, said: "The participation in the WTM-2003 was very encouraging and we expect more customers in the coming days. We are targeting MICE market in addition to corporates. About 30 per cent of our business comes from the UK market."

Sanjeet Johar, Business Relations Manager, Taj Palace Hotel Dubai, said: "The WTM-2003 helped in tapping new contacts and consolidating existing contacts. We are targeting ethnic Asian market in the UK in addition to French and German operators keen in coming to Dubai."

Taj Palace Hotel Dubai debuted at WTM in 2001 under the Taj Hotels stand, but this year participated under the DTCM umbrella as well to draw the best results.