DTCM's Travel and Tourism Group makes excellent business during first quarter of 2004

The meeting, which took place at the department's Head Office also discussed at length the new markets like China, Australia and New Zealand, which have shown potential in terms of visitors arrivals and will have positive affect on the tourism business of Dubai in future.

DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem who chaired the meeting, said that the year 2004 started with a positive trend and by capitalising on this boom, we could carve a successful year for the emirate in terms of travel and tourism. "The outcome of our comprehensive strategy in promoting Dubai is showing positive results. The carefully prepared detailed marketing plan was freely used, always aiming at these kinds of results," said Mr. bin Sulayem.

The group was of general concensus that the visitors from China, Australia and New Zealand have shown deep interest in Dubai, which can be cultivated to attract greater inflow of visitors from these countries. "All these destinations are high yielding markets. It is one of the reasons that the DTCM has established a representative office in Australia, which also has New Zealand in its jurisdiction," said Mr. bin Sulayem.

There has also been a demand from the attendees that the countries in the region should join hands to promote the cruise sector. "We will put forward this issue in the forth coming meeting of the AGCC tourism Committee. Promoting the cruise sector jointly will benefit every one immensely as this industry attracts up market tourists," said Mr. bin Sulayem.

The means of putting an end to the illegal practice of unlicensed tour operators and various other issues related to other government departments were also discussed in detail.