Dubai - France trade and tourism links set for boost

The ILTM is the only global trade event dedicated to enabling specialist luxury travel trade buyers from the world's top 52 outbound countries to meet with international luxury travel suppliers.

The Dubai stand at the ILTM measured 70 sq. mts and was supported by 13 co-participants from the private sector.

The DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, said: "With Dubai emerging as a five-star luxury destination, DTCM's participation at such fairs are becoming increasingly significant in bringing in the best of higher-end tourism and facilities to the emirate."

France is an important market for Dubai and there has been a significant year-on-year increase in the number of French guests in Dubai hotels and hotel apartments.

In 2005 there were 77 tour operators featuring Dubai. Twelve new French tour operators are featuring Dubai in 2005/2006 when compared to winter 2004/2005.

Between 1995-2005, a steady increase of 21 per cent in the number of French tourists arriving in Dubai was recorded with an estimated 100,000 French guests projected in 2005.

This relationship between Dubai and France has gained in strength in the recent years and there are immense growth opportunities from both the sides.