Shaikh Ahmed and Mayor of Berlin visit Dubai stand at ITB

Being held at the Berlin Exhibition grounds this is the 40th edition of one of the world's largest travel trade fair and Dubai's 17th successive participation. The event has attracted over 10,500 exhibitors from 180 countries around the world who are sharing an overall exhibition space of 150,000 square metres spread across 26 halls.

Dubai Stand (Number 107, Hall 22) is 15 per cent bigger than last year and is presenting an all-time record of 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.

The ITB generates a turnover of approximately five billion euros with one third of the trade visitors coming from foreign countries.

The DTCM delegation is represented by Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director of Dubai Convention Bureau and Mr. Saleh Al Geziry, Deputy Manager, Overseas Promotions. The DTCM delegation is being supported by a strong contingent of co-participants in the private and public sector.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) are sharing 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, are occupying 30 square metres of the stand.

Germany is one of the key source markets for Dubai with the number of German hotel guests to Dubai 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 amounted to 184, an increase of 19 per cent over 2004- 2005.