Russians showing unfaltering interest in Dubai

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        'caption' => 'The media team from Russia with the DTCM officials.',
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The emirate's all-appealing, fast-expanding tourist attractions, pristine beaches, undefiled environment, unlimited shopping options and the amazing existence of modernity and traditions side by side have remained a big draw with the Russian's, one of the established source markets for Dubai's booming tourism industry.

The number of Dubai Hotel establishment guests from Russia recorded a 16.6 per cent increase in 2003 over the previous year from 222,269 to 259,081. Dubai's trade with Russia saw a significant increase of 39.1 per cent in 2003 over 2002 while Russian tour operators featuring Dubai jumped by 31.7 per cent from 429 to 565.

The increasing interest among the Russians has been prompting media organizations to focus their coverage on and about Dubai leading to more and more broadcast journalists visiting the emirate to highlight its different facets.

The media visitors are being assisted by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as part of its efforts to enlarge the scope of media coverage for Dubai.
The DTCM recently hosted a media group from Travel-TV of Russia for a photo shoot on the emirate for a DVD on Dubai as an all round tourist destination due to the overwhelming interest among the Russians about the destination.

Upon completion, the DVD will be distributed to all the tour operators and travel agencies in addition to a copy being provided to the local TV network in Russia.

The delegation, which is here until December 28, was overly impressed with the wonderful developments taking place besides what the emirate had to offer to the visitors from across the world.

The department assisted them in various ways, including arranging for their visas, meet and assist facility at the airport, arranging visits to popular landmarks and projects and offering them opportunity to enjoy the facilities.
In addition, the department hosted luncheons for the visiting crew in various hotels.
The crew members visited major landmarks and hotels in Dubai including The Palm, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Airport and Madinat Jumeirah, among others.

They also visited the DTCM Head Office where they were received by Mr. Abdulla bin Sowaidan, Executive Missions and Mr. Talal Al Suwaidi, Officer Missions and presented with souvenirs.
They were given a presentation on Dubai and briefed about the travel and tourism facilities which was well-received by the groups. In addition, they were given promotional literature.