British Tourism delegation on a sales mission to the UAE

The UK sales mission is part of Visit Britain's on-going marketing initiatives designed to support both its UK and UAE-based travel partners and to promote Britain as tourist destination for Middle East visitors.

Aimed at strengthening relationships with the UAE travel trade industry, the mission will provide an excellent opportunity for the British delegates to meet up with some of the prominent travel companies in the UAE, including travel agencies, tour operators and the media. This initiative will showcase the latest travel and tourism products and services the UK partners have to offer.

The British sales mission delegation consists of senior executives from a variety of British tourism organisations including Tourism Ireland, City Hotel Rooms, Radisson Edwardian Hotels Group, Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh, Britrail and Eurostar. The delegates will follow an extensive programme during which they will meet with key representatives from the travel sector in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Carol Maddison, VB's marketing manager for Middle East, said: "We are delighted to team up with Virgin Atlantic Airways and bring this British delegation to the UAE. This event is an opportunity to promote what Britain has to offer and encourage more bookable product on Britain to be made available in the market. Middle East continues to be one of our significant markets for Britain tourism with great potential for further growth in the future. In 2005, Britain welcomed 385,000 visitors from the Middle East compared to 379,000 in 2004. They spent £618 million, a 15% increase over 2004."