Dubai's big presence in EIBTM-2005 to tap new growth avenues

The three-day exhibition offers unrivalled business opportunities, exceptional networking opportunities and cutting-edge professional opportunities for all international delegates. Representatives from airlines, conference venues, convention & visitor bureaus, cruise lines, luxury trains, hotels, spas, conference planners, incentive destinations, technology providers, trade associations and media from more than 95 countries are expected to get together to exchange and share the latest developments in their respective spheres.

This is the 16th year of DTCM's successive participation at the exhibition. The department is represented by a delegation led by Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, and comprising of Mr. Saleh Al Geziry, Deputy Manager Overseas Promotions and Mr. Omar A. Al Qurashi, Executive Overseas Promotions.

This year, the Dubai Stand measures 325.25 sq. mts and has 31 booths and representation from the hospitality as well as the tourism industry. Some of the participating hotels include Jebel Ali International Hotels, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Dusit Dubai, Ritz Carlton and, for the first time, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates.

The 14 tour operators include the Net Group, Gulf Circle Tours, Alpha Tours, Gulf Dunes, SNTTA Emir Incentives & Conferences, Essence of Arabia and Al Ajbar Tourism.

The public sector is represented by the Department of Civil Aviation/ Dubai Duty Free and Dubai International Convention Centre and the Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB) operating under the DTCM umbrella.

A pre-fair meeting was held at the DTCM Head Office and the participants discussed about the arrangements and outcome of the participation in EIBTM-2005. The meeting was chaired by the DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim.

Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, DCB Director, said: "We are highlighting Dubai's strengths and capabilities in hosting meetings and conventions in the emirate. The DCB is holding meetings with the travel planners and exhibition organizers which are expected to produce positive results for the Dubai, especially its booming tourism industry."

Mr. Buamaim said in 2004, there was a 17.8 % increase in Spanish guests to Dubai hotels compared with the previous year. A 19.6 % increase was recorded in the two-way trade between Dubai and Spain during the same period.