Dubai makes its presence strongest-ever in ITB 2006

Dubai Stand (Number 107, Hall 22) will be 15 per cent bigger than last year and will accommodate an all-time record 92 co-participants as against last year's 76 who shared the 440-square-metre stand. The number of co-participants booths at the stand increased by 13.8% compared with the last year.

A pre-fair meeting was held at the DTCM Head Office where Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, highlighted the efforts that had gone into preparing for the mega event. It was also attended by Mr. Salah Al Geziry, DTCM Deputy Manager Overseas Promotions, and Mr. Khalid bin Nassar, DTCM Officer Overseas Promotions.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) will share the Dubai Stand reception offering glimpses into the famed Arabian hospitality that brings millions of tourists to Dubai every year. Jumeirah, Dubai-based operator of iconic properties like Burj Al Arab, will occupy 30 square metres of the stand.

Being held at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from March 8 to 12, this will be the 40th edition of the world's largest travel trade fair and will see Dubai's 17th successive participation. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries who will share an overall exhibition space of 150,000 square metres.

Germany is one of the key source markets for Dubai with the number of German guests to Dubai hotels increasing by 12 per cent last year totaling at 264,298 guests in 2005. The number of German tour operators featuring Dubai in their itinerary in 2005-2006 totaled 184, an increase of 19 per cent over 2004- 2005.