Bin Sulayem presides over first meeting of 2006 for Hotel and Hotel Apartment Group

The meeting reviewed the issues relating to Dubai's fast-expanding tourism industry in general and the hospitality sector in particular.

Mr. bin Sulayem welcomed the members of the industry's representative panel and thanked them for their contribution in raising the bar of excellence and quality services offered to tourists in Dubai.

He also commended the outstanding results posted by Dubai hotels and hotel apartments in 2005.

The meeting discussed a wide range of issues relating to environmental protection, expansion of the Dubai International Airport in an effort to match the immense strides that Dubai has taken in the tourism sector.

The meeting saw the appointment of the 2006 coordinators from Immigration and Department of Civil Aviation authorities. Coordinators were also appointed from five star city hotels, four star hotels, deluxe hotel apartments, beach hotels, three star hotels and standard hotel apartments.

A presentation on Energy and Environmental initiatives was made to motivate hoteliers to monitor their energy waste by benchmarking within themselves.

It was also agreed during the meeting to constitute a taskforce representing the Department of Civil Aviation and selected hotels and tour operators who will be responsible for updates about the latest developments at the Dubai International Airport.

The task force, it was agreed, will also meet with the coastal committee in order to know more about their regulations imposed on boat-users along the Palm islands.

The hoteliers also agreed to be involved in charitable programmes organizes by the DTCM and said that the taskforce will coordinate with the DTCM to confirm the exact dates.