DTCM continues successful showing at ITB 2006

Being held at the Berlin Exhibition grounds this is the 40th edition of one of the world's largest travel trade fairs 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.

The DTCM delegation has held successful round of talks with Touristik Report and FVW International, two major German tourism publications, Thomas Cook and TUI AG in an effort to highlight Dubai unprecedented economic boom, its upcoming iconic properties and trend-setting shopping festivals.

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, a substantial increase of 19 per cent over 2004- 2005.

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 at ITB 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 record number of co-participants in the private and public sector.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates, Jordanian Minister Mr. Munir Nassar and the Mayor of Berlin Mr Klous Wowereit were some of the VIP visitors to the Dubai stand at the opening day.