Travel industry shows unfaltering interest in Dubai

Held from November 14 to 18, the Dubai Road Shows were part of the DTCM's aggressive marketing and promotional agenda to consolidate its share in key source markets and updating the travel industry professionals about the latest developments in the emirate, especially the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities.

In each city, the trade-only event attracted travel agents, tour operators, and conference and incentive markers. The initiative was timed with the start of holiday season.

The road shows were co-sponsored by Golden Sands Hotel Apartments and Alpha Tours. This year's promotional initiative had 10 co-participants - Royal Mirage Beach Resort, Passage to Arabia, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Golf Holidays + Events, Jumeirah International, Accor Hotels -World Trade Centre, Travco Travel Dubai, and Le Meridien Mina Siyahi Beach Resort and Marina.

DTCM officials and representatives of co-participant organizations said the interest that road shows generated in these markets was far beyond their expectations and confirmed the strong interest of the industry in Dubai as a round-the-year destination of choice for business and leisure.

Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, who represented the department, said: "France and Benelux region are important source markets for the Dubai tourism industry. The emirate is hopefully going to witness a big surge in the number of visitors from these places in the future."

He added: "Dubai has been getting unwavering support from the travel industry in part of the world since a long time. Dubai is strongly committed to this market and looking forward to a wonderful period of growth in the future."

The DTCM is presently running a major global advertising campaign to enhance the international profile of Dubai. It runs until December 2003.

He said the department has been participating in the TOP RESA exhibition for the past 14 years to further consolidate the share in the French and European outbound markets.

There has been a consistent year-on-year increase in the number of visitors from France and Benelux region.

The emirate last year recorded a 34.92 per cent increase in French guests staying with the hotels and hotel apartments. Dubai played host to 62,767 French guests in 2002, up from 46,521 in the previous year.

A total of 33 weekly flights are available between Dubai and two French cities of Paris and Nice.